Seattle Sounders midfielder Steve Zakuani was taken off the field on a stretcher in the third minute of the team's game with the Colorado Rapids Friday night.
Officials say he has a lower leg injury after taking a hit by Colorado midfielder Brian Mullan. Zakuani, who had two goals and two assists in five games, remained on the field for five minutes before being placed on a stretcher. He was taken to a nearby hospital for X-rays on his right leg.
Mullen's hard challenge came in the third minute and after Mullen appeared to be fouled. He then charged into Zakuani near the sideline and his right leg. As Zakuani rolled over Mullen, his lower right leg appeared to flop back and forth.
Mullan received a red card and was sent off.
Zakuani is in his third season with Seattle and was the Sounders' first pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. The 23-year-old had 10 goals and six assists in 2010 after scoring four goals as a rookie.
