San Jose Earthquakes defender Nathan 'out indefinitely' with ACL tear

San Jose Earthquakes defender Nathan will be “out indefinitely” after suffering an ACL injury in his right knee. The team confirmed he will undergo surgery, and endure a subsequent rehabilitation period.

Nathan picked up the injury during a preseason friendly against USL Championship side Monterey Bay FC on Saturday. The latest knock comes just months after he tore his left meniscus in San Jose’s 2022 season opener.

The club did not provide a timetable for the Brazilian’s return.

Injuries have limited Nathan’s time on the pitch. He first joined the Western Conference club amid the 2021 campaign, arriving from Swiss Super League side FC Zurich. Nathan made a lasting impression during his first two seasons, managing five goals in 46 games before heading to the sidelines.

Head coach Luchi Gonzalez will now be forced to depend on Rodrigues, Tanner Beason, Casey Walls and Oskar Argen. The team also holds the option of 2023 SuperDraft pick Daniel Munie, though he remains unsigned while participating in preseason camp. 

Gonzalez heads into his first season with the team, after serving as an assistant US men’s national team head coach. Expectations are high, after several disappointing campaigns from the Earthquakes. The team concluded the 2022 season in last place of the Western Conference table with a mere 35 points in 34 games and a record of 8W-15L-11D.

The San Jose Earthquakes kick off the 2023 season on February 25 when visiting Atlanta United at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.