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New Mexico United’s Cristian Nava suffers torn ACL

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 03/27/23, 3:02PM EDT

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Homegrown talent started club’s first game of new campaign, ruled out for remainder of season


New Mexico United's Cristian Nava started the club's first game of the 2023 season in Miami, but has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL. | Photo courtesy Orovio Photography / Miami FC

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United announced on Monday that homegrown forward Cristian Nava had suffered a torn ACL and would miss the remainder of the 2023 USL Championship season.

Nava became the first player to turn professional from the New Mexico United Academy in 2021 and was in the club’s starting lineup for its season-opening victory against Miami FC on March 18. The 19-year-old had recorded two goals and two assists last season in 15 appearances for the club.

“Serious injury is far and away the worst part of our sport, and sports in general,” said New Mexico United Head Coach/Technical Director Zach Prince. “Cristian is a massive part of our team, and he personifies the identity of our group. The charisma and energy he brings to our group are infectious. It will be a challenge to the rest of this group of players to rise up in his absence.”

“Cristian’s mentality is very strong, and any adversity that has come his way ends up turning into a positive. He will be greatly missed on the field, and our team is committed to helping him through his rehabilitation process.”

A native of Albuquerque, Nava was named the Golden Ball winner at the 2021 USL Academy League Playoffs as he led New Mexico’s Academy side to a third-place finish at the inaugural event.

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