Khiry Shelton injury
The New York City FC announced on Monday, that Khiry Shelton (Center) suffered a hamstring injury in the final minutes of NYCFC’s 2-0 win against the Philadelphia Union on Friday night.
Its eary season, and just on road complited seven games into what could be considered a make-or-break season, Shelton now is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, also struggled before in his two seasons.
Shelton was NYCFC drafted him number. 2 overall out of Oregon State in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft,
during his rookie season, has missed 15 matches and recorded just one goal and one assist in 17 appearances. Last season, Shelton started to show hints of his potential, appearing in January camp with the United States men’s national team and posting four goals and nine assists in 22 games with NYCFC.
Last year, Shelton, 23, had been used solely as a substitute this season, playing all of 62 minutes in four games.
Shelton has thrived off the bench, especially late in games. Although he hasn’t appeared in any noteworthy statistical categories, the forward has offered valuable service in the air, averaging 0.3 aerials won per game, a pretty 15 minutes per appearance. His ability to hold up play in the attacking end and track back late in games are qualities head coach Patrick Vieira cannot easily replace, especially because Shelton’s work rate has improved dramatically from seasons past.
Shelton’s injury could spell more minutes for fan favorite Tommy McNamara, who has flourished off the bench this season and deserves more time on the field. It also could pave the way for Jonathan Lewis, the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s MLS SuperDraft, who has appeared in just one game. Neither player, though, offers the defensive approach Shelton brings late in games,the City is back Sunday, April 23, Yankee Stadium.
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