Orlando City SC announced today that rookie defender Conor Donovan suffered a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his left knee Saturday night during his Major League Soccer (MLS) debut against the Philadelphia Union.

Donovan is expected to undergo surgery at Orlando Health, official medical provider for Orlando City SC, in the coming weeks and will miss the remainder of the 2015 MLS season. The center-back suffered the injury in the 10th minute of the match.

"We obviously feel for him. It's never nice to suffer a serious injury. But, he's a strong boy with a good character, and he'll work hard," said head coach Adrian Heath. "We have great faith in our medical staff that he'll come back bigger and stronger than before."

"We're really saddened that Conor has experienced such a serious injury, involving his ACL, MCL, and lateral meniscus," said Daryl Osbahr, chief of sports medicine for Orlando Health and medical director for Orlando City SC. "He'll have surgery with us in the coming weeks and then our Orlando Health medical team, including our physicians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers, will work extremely hard to make sure he gets back on the pitch feeling better than ever."

Orlando City's next match will take place against the Seattle Sounders on Sunday, August 16, at CenturyLink Field. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET. The Lions return to the Orlando Citrus Bowl on August 29 to host the Chicago Fire. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

To purchase group or individual tickets, or to purchase 2016 Season Tickets and take advantage of preferred pricing before August 14, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com or call 855-ORL-CITY.

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About Orlando City Soccer Club:
One of the leading teams in Major League Soccer (MLS), and the only MLS team in Florida, Orlando City Soccer Club has developed a rich history and passionate following in its short existence since starting in the USL in 2011. The Lions’ first team set the U.S. record for best start of any professional soccer club in its first 100 USL matches (66-12-22). During that time, the Lions won three regular season titles and two postseason championships.

In MLS, the team draws an average of over 32,973 fans per home game – including 62,500 for its home opener – a record for an expansion team in its first 13 stand-alone home games. In addition, the team is currently near the top of the league in social media followers. Orlando City has not only captured the passion of soccer fans in the City Beautiful, it continues to build its brand overseas as its matches are broadcast in 100 countries and in 30 languages.

Outside of the first squad, OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U-23 team that participates in the PDL. Lastly, the Orlando City Foundation is active in the community year round, promoting health and wellness in children throughout the region, and raising funds for and volunteering time for various local organizations.

Article provided and written by Orlando City Soccer Club.