From today's Sounders news release:
Seattle Sounders defender Danny Jackson experienced a season ending injury on Tuesday afternoon during Sounders training, suffering complete tears of both his left anterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus.
After challenging for a head ball, Jackson landed awkwardly on his left knee.
"I came down and heard something pop," said a dejected Jackson. "I was hoping for the best but the MRI clearly showed a complete tear."
Jackson undergoes surgery next week and then begins a six month rehabilitation.
A stalwart in the Sounders defense, Jackson signed with the Sounders in 2003 after spending the '02 season with the Colorado Rapids of MLS. Playing more than 1,800 minutes this year, he and the Sounders defense have only given up 18 goals, fewest in the league.
Sounder head coach Brian Schmetzer commented, "Danny is a natural leader and organizer and will be sorely missed for the remainder of our season. We will use the depth of our squad to hopefully fill the void left by Danny."
The Sounders have five matches remaining on their 2003 schedule including tonight's away match against Team Calgary. They return home on Sunday to face the Indiana Blast at Seahawks Stadium. Kick off is set for 5 pm.
Jackson attended the University of North Carolina and was a member of their 2001 NCCA National Championship team, where he was named tournament MVP. The 6-0 native of Leeds, England received numerous collegiate awards including MVP of the Tarheel team in 1998-1999, All-South team 1999-2001, All ACC 2000-2001 and an All-American in 2001.
