Earthquakes defender out for season

SAN JOSE, Calif. — San Jose Earthquakes defender Troy Dayak, who planned to retire after the season, will miss the rest of the year because of a knee injury.

He will have surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in several weeks, the team said Monday.

The 34-year-old Dayak was hurt in the first half of a May game in San Jose against FC Dallas.

"I am disappointed that I won't be able to finish out this season with the team," Dayak said. "I hope that I can remain a positive influence for the team this year in whatever capacity that I am needed in."

Dayak, a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic team and a league All-Star in 2001, was the 2001 comeback player of the year. He recovered from a serious neck injury, then helped the Earthquakes win their first championship.

"Troy is an important part of our team and has been a major contributor for us," Earthquakes coach Dominic Kinnear said. "But we are well aware that unfortunately injuries are a part of this game."

Dayak signed in 1996 as a member of the original Major League Soccer team in San Jose, The Clash. He's played 128 games in eight seasons with San Jose.