SEATTLE, WASH. – Tacoma Defiance midfielder Azriel Gonzalez underwent successful surgery on his left foot at Virginia Mason Medical Center in downtown Seattle on Friday, June 28. The procedure was performed by Dr. Michael Morris of Virginia Mason Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. The injury was suffered during competition, and Gonzalez is set to begin rehabilitation immediately following the procedure.
Gonzalez, 18, is in his third season with Sounders FC’s USL side and has made 15 appearances with the club in 2019, including 11 starts. His two goals this season rank second on the team behind only Justin Dhillon’s six, who signed with the First Team on June 28. Gonzalez also leads Tacoma with two assists and ranks third in minutes with 1,011.
Following a two-week break, Tacoma Defiance (2-11-4, 10 points) returns to action this Saturday, July 6, at Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. PT, with the match being streamed live on ESPN+.