LAFC goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau was carted off the field with an apparent serious leg injury with 10 minutes left in extra time of the MLS Cup final against Philadelphia Union on Saturday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Crépeau came off his line and collided with Union’s Cory Burke while attempting to block his path to the goal.
- The keeper was assessed a red card while being tended to by trainers.
- Crépeau was expected to make Canada’s World Cup roster as the backup to Milan Borjan.
Backstory
Crépeau is one of the better goalkeepers in MLS, having conceded 36 goals in 33 starts. A successful end to his MLS season was expected to help him build up the kind of confidence that, should he be called upon in Qatar, would have him ready to play without hesitation.
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Minnesota United’s Dayne St. Clair is Canada’s third-string keeper.
Saturday’s game was stopped for nearly eight minutes as both Burke and Crépeau received treatment. LAFC went on to win the final on penalty kicks after goalie John McCarthy, who substituted on for Crépeau, blocked two Philadelphia attempts. McCarthy was named MVP of the game.
More injury trouble for Canada
Crépeau’s injury came on the same day Canadian left back Alphonso Davies strained his hamstring while playing for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. He started but was forced off in the 64th minute of the match, which Bayern won 3-2, and was spotted holding his right hamstring as he departed the pitch.
Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann later confirmed Davies suffered a strain to his hamstring and a prognosis would be given after he sees club doctors Sunday.
Canada will begin its World Cup campaign on Nov. 23 against Belgium.
(Photo: Kirby Lee / USA Today)
