Galaxy likely to lose DeLaGarza for rest of regular season

The Galaxy will enter the most important stretch of its season without top defender A.J. DeLaGarza, who is likely out for the rest of the regular season after suffering a sprained ligament in his left knee in Sunday’s tie with Colorado.

DeLaGarza was hurt late in the first half Sunday when he knocked knees with Colorado’s Omar Cummings deep in the Galaxy end. DeLaGarza lay on the turf for several minutes before being removed on a stretcher. He later hobbled to the locker room with the assistance of trainers.

DeLaGarza had an MRI performed Monday and was moving about on crutches Monday night. Doctors have told him he will likely miss a month, which would leave him sidelined for the Galaxy’s final three regular-season matches with Real Salt Lake, San Jose and Seattle. A more complete diagnosis is expected Tueday.

The Galaxy, third in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference standings, are battling those three teams for position heading into next month’s MLS playoffs.

The Galaxy is unbeaten in seven matches since Omar Gonzalez and Todd Dunivant came back from injuries to unite with DeLaGarza and Sean Franklin on the back line. In four of those games, the Galaxy didn’t allow a goal.

Now without DeLaGarza, a four-year MLS veteran, Coach Bruce Arena will likely to turn to rookie Tommy Meyer, who took DeLaGarza’s place Sunday.

ALSO:

Alabama a clear No. 1 in college football

UCLA’s Brett Hundley is off and running, but with care

Trojans hope to get Matt Barkley, passing game back on track