BY ADAM SERRANO
CARSON, Calif. – A little more than a week before they are set to host the 2011 MLS Cup Final, the Los Angeles Galaxy's hopes of lifting the trophy at home took a tough hit.
Forward Chad Barrett will miss the MLS Cup Final after suffering a dislocated right ankle during the club's training session on Thursday. During a light scrimmage on Thursday morning, Barrett was tracking back for a ball before suffering the injury, which Galaxy trainers later confirmed as a dislocated ankle.
The Galaxy forward immediately fell to the ground in pain and remained there receiving treatment from the club's medical staff for nearly 30 minutes before being taken away to a local hospital via ambulance.
"We are disappointed for Chad," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. "He has been a great addition to our team in 2011 and we hope for a speedy recovery."
Barrett has enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his career for the Galaxy since moving to Los Angeles from Toronto FC during the off season. The forward registered seven goals and five assists this season along with one goal in the CONCACAF Champions League. Barrett's contributions have rocketed the forward up the depth chart, earning him the coveted spot alongside Robbie Keane in the starting lineup.
With Barrett unlikely to feature in MLS Cup, the task of partnering alongside Keane will likely fall to Adam Cristman or Miguel Lopez, each who have seen time at forward for the Galaxy this season.
Another potential option could see Los Angeles' captain Landon Donovan sliding up top alongside the Irishman, with Paolo Cardozo lining up on the right side of midfield.
