Say It Ain’t So Sayajin, Amando Moreno Out For Season

Amando Moreno will miss remainder of USL Championship season with torn ACL

By Chris Walker | Photo: Alvarado Photo Team

New Mexico United Midfielder Amando “Sayajin” Moreno has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Moreno, who initially took a knock when playing a ball in an aerial duel, came down showing favor to his right leg and moments later resulted in a 72’ substitution to bring him off the pitch.

Technical Director and Head Coach Troy Lesesne spoke on Moreno’s status in the presser following United’s 4-2 victory over San Antonio FC.

“Yea so, Amando, unfortunately, the scan came back that he’s torn his ACL and will be out for the remainder of the season and that’s obviously a massive loss for us and you know beyond that what we really hate more than anything it’s just where he is at as an individual right now with his responsibilities for us and his country El Salvador is national team duty so it’s devastating in a lot of ways for him as an individual,” Lesesne said.

Moreno, has played in 19 matches , started 16 and has a total of 1,365 minutes on the pitch for the yellow and black this season. He has won 8 caps playing with El Salvador this season.

Undoubtedly, Moreno’s personal brand has grown through his appearances for both teams this season introducing each fanbase to the other. Both sets of fans will miss his presence out on the pitch.

“You know as a club, we’re going to be resilient and we feel confident about our group. Again, you’re seeing guys step up in a lot of different ways. Ilija getting in is a really good example of that so we’re going to be ready to go that way. Really, our hearts are with Amando because it’s just unfortunate to see the form that he’s in and the levels he’s been playing at to not be able to complete the season with us, but he’s in a good spot mentality-wise and you know we got him under contract baby so he’s coming back in 2022,” Lesesne concluded.