USIU Soccer Player, Hurt in Game, Undergoes Open Heart Operation

Cem Er, a soccer player for United States International University, was in stable condition Thursday night, recovering from 2 1/2 hours of open heart surgery.

Er, 20, a native of Istanbul, Turkey, suffered a small tear in his heart Wednesday after colliding with an opposing player in the final minutes of a double-overtime game against Cal State Los Angeles.

Er, a forward, and Cal State Los Angeles goalkeeper David Jacques both went after a high, bouncing ball. Er headed the ball into the net for a goal but also collided with the bigger Jacques.

Because of Er’s injury, the game was called with five minutes remaining, USIU getting credit for a 3-1 victory.

Barry Knotts, the attending physician at Sharp Memorial Hospital, where Er is recovering, said Er’s injury is uncommon.

“It’s very unusual to rupture a heart, to tear a heart, from a blunt injury,” Knotts said. “It’s much more common to occur from a knife or gunshot wound.”

Cal State L.A. Coach Berhane Andeberhan said that Jacques may have accidently struck Er in the chest with his knee.