San Jose Earthquakes defender Nathan out after undergoing surgery

San Jose Earthquakes player Nathan Raphael Pelae Cardoso is expected to be sidelined for up to two months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus. 

The Brazilian defender was injured during the Western Conference team’s season opener against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday at PayPal Park. 

The Earthquakes outlined a possible return for Nathan in early May, meaning the player could be out of action for two full months or seven regular-season matches. 

The defender, originally a product of Brazilian side Palmeiras’ academy, first joined the team last summer from Switzerland’s FC Zürich. Abroad, he managed two goals in 20 games, and ranked fifth league-wide in interceptions at 64 and tied for 12th in tackles won with 49. 

The San Jose Earthquakes are left to lean on Tanner Beason, Francisco Calvo and Oskar Agren to secure the backline. 

Calvo joined this offseason as a free agent, with Beason and Agren are SuperDraft products. 

The Earthquakes return to action after their 3-1 loss to RBNY on Saturday when hosting the Columbus Crew at PayPal Park.