Colorado Rapids defender Kortne Ford will miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left knee.
Ford underwent surgery on Thursday to repair the medial meniscus and the proximal tibiofibular joint. Ford said in a note posted on Twitter that he has been experiencing pain for more than a year.
"Regardless of what I did, the sharp sensation I felt on the lateral side of my knee never dissipated," Ford wrote. "I've suffered with this for a long time now, and my fans have continued to patiently wait in silence."
The 23-year-old had been unable to play this season due to the knee issues.
"This has been a disappointing and frustrating year for Kortne, but we know with his commitment and determination he will get back on the field for this club," Rapids general manager Padraig Smith said in a statement. "We will be with him every step along the way and everyone's focus is on getting him ready for 2020."
Ford initially injured the knee in March 2018 during a team scrimmage.
He played in 15 games last season, starting 14, and didn't score. Ford has one goal in 35 matches (33 starts) with Colorado.