As if a loss in their CONCACAF Champions League opener on Tuesday wasn't bad enough for Real Salt Lake, they also lost Jamison Olave to injury. A hamstring injury forced him to the bench against Herediano, a spot he will have to get comfortable in because the centerback's injured hamstring is going to keep him out for four weeks.
Jamison Olave To Miss Four Weeks With Hamstring Injury
Jamison Olave’s injured hamstring will keep him out for four weeks, which is not good news for a team already banged up at the back.
RSL confirmed that Olave hamstring injury picked up in Costa Rica will keep him out at least 4 weeks.
— James Edward (@DesNewsReal) August 3, 2012
This is a major blow for Salt Lake, who were just starting to get things together. Alvaro Saborio was hitting top form, giving them a top-notch striker and the rest of the team was getting fit. They won consecutive matches to jump to second in MLS, just one point behind San Jose and they looked set for a run at the Supporters' Shield. Now that dream is not done by any means, but losing the dominating Olave will certainly make things harder on RSL.
Olave's absence will really hurt Salt Lake in three weeks when they host Tauro in their second Champions League match. Nat Borchers picked up a red card against Herediano and will be suspended against Tauro so along with Olave's injury, RSL are looking at playing without either of their first choice centerbacks.
Making matters worse for RSL is the injury to Chris Schuler. He is one of the best backup centerbacks in MLS, but he is looking at a long spell out too. Kwame Watson-Siriboe was recently signed and he figures to get time in defense with Olave and Schuler out and Kenny Mansally could get some work at fullback too, with Chris Wingert sliding to the center.
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