Galaxy defender Leonardo lost for the season after tearing right knee ligaments

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The Galaxy on Tuesday revealed that Brazilian defender Leonardo will be lost for the remainder of the Major League Soccer season after the 23-year-old tore the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his right knee.

Leonardo suffered the injury in Sunday afternoon’s 2-1 road victory over the Chicago Fire. At the time, Coach Bruce Arena said it was likely that Leonardo, a starter in each of the Galaxy’s seven games this year, would be sidelined for the year. An MRI examination on Monday confirmed the damage and surgery is set for next week.

‘We are disappointed for Leo,’ Arena said Tuesday. ‘He started the 2011 season in such great form for us and we will miss him. As an organization, we will do everything possible to make sure he is back on the field for our club.’

The Galaxy lost another central defender, former U.S. international Gregg Berhalter, before the season began. Berhalter has not played one minute in 2011 and is still out injured. As a result, the Galaxy’s once-deep back line of eight players is now down to six following Leonardo’s injury.

The Galaxy is at home against the expansion Portland Timbers at 8 p.m. on Saturday.

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