Tough news for Sporting Kansas City as Ike Opara learns his Achilles tendon is ruptured

Ike Opara was set to have a break out year in 2015. Sporting Kansas City’s front office took a chance on the 26-year-old to play a major role for the team’s defense after it parted ways with Aurelien Collin during the offseason.

The gamble looked like it would paid off: Opara has been the brightest spot for Sporting KC so far this season. The centerback is among Major League Soccer’s leaders in several defensive statistical categories. He has also provided an offensive spark, leading Sporting KC and all MLS defenders with two goals to his name.

But the risk for Opara hinged less on whether he could play well and more on how long he could play.

Opara’s injury woes have been staggering during his MLS career. He missed much of last season with an ankle injury. Prior to his arrival in Kansas City, repeated injuries whittled down on his playing time as a member of the San Jose Earthquakes. Opara has never played more than 18 games in a single MLS season in his six-year career.

Once again, Opara’s season may be done. The team announced on Monday that he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the late stages of Sporting KC’s scoreless draw with Real Salt Lake last Saturday. these types of injuries tend to be season-killers. Achilles tendons don’t heal quickly and demand long periods of rehab.

Sporting KC has been bit by the injury bug so far during this young MLS season. Graham Zusi has missed the last two games due to an injury he picked up during the team’s 1-0 victory against New York FC on March 28, although he appears to be on the mend. Seth Sinovic has also battled minor injuries; he was left out of the lineup last Saturday.

It’s not clear when defender Chance Myers will return from his injury last year.