Swope Park Rangers midfielder Ualefi has suffered a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee, the club confirmed today. Ualefi will undergo surgery before the end of the month at the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic of Kansas City under the care of the team’s orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kirk McCullough.
Ualefi, 22, made 31 appearances in regular and postseason play in the 2016 campaign and was the only Rangers player to start every game up until his injury prior to the Western Conference Semifinal against Orange County Blues FC on Oct. 9.
The Sao Paulo, Brazil native is second on the team with five assists this season, and has made two appearances for Sporting Kansas City in the CONCACAF Champions League – both against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Aug. 23 and Sept. 13.
The Rangers are gearing up for the 2016 USL Cup Final where the side will face New York Red Bulls II at Red Bull Arena on Sunday, Oct. 23. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT and the game will be broadcast on ESPNU.
