Maxi Moralez will be out for the rest of the 2023 season

This past weekend, New York City FC drew against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The result was disappointing and somewhat controversial after poor refereeing.

Moreover, there were injury concerns for multiple players, including Maxi Moralez. The Argentine injured his leg after a clash with a Vancouver player while both were going for the ball. There was no malicious intent from either of them, but it led to the NYCFC legend being helped off the pitch. He could not put any weight on his right leg.

Maxi Moralez injured his knee in the game against Vancouver

Unfortunately, Moralez took to Instagram to announce the bad news. He sustained damage to his meniscus and a ligament. He did not say which ligament though. He will need surgery on his knee, and based on his post, one can assume he will be out for many months. Plus, due to the need for surgery, he will be out for the rest of the 2023 season.

The full post can be viewed in its entirety below.

The club has not announced the news yet, but it is assumed they will at some point during the international break.

The loss of Moralez is another nail in the coffin of the 2023 season for NYCFC. This year has been full of sadness and disappointment. There have been shocking departures like the recent one of Maxime Chanot. There have been games with poor play and management. There have also been matches where the team played well but could not get the proper result.

When Moralez returned to NYCFC, it was one of the bright lights of 2023. Since his return, he has enhanced the midfield with his play. It is a shame he will not be able to finish the season. Sure, the team will probably not make the playoffs. Nonetheless, it was nice to see him back in a place he calls home.

The loss of Moralez due to injury oddly fits how the season has been going. New York City FC continues to receive lemons but cannot find the right ingredients to make the lemonade. Honestly, 2024 cannot come soon enough.

5:20 PM Update: NYCFC announced earlier today that Moralez ruptured his right ACL.