Sports

Hernandez Out for Season, Commits to Providence College for Next Fall

The Raiders soccer player is scheduled to have surgery on his re-injured knee.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood senior striker Johan Hernandez was supposed to be on the field this month scoring goals, assisting on them, and leading the Raiders to a memorable season.

But on Sept. 12 in a game against A.L. Johnson, Hernandez severely re-injured his left knee — one that left him on the sidelines for the entire 2008 season. He is 
scheduled to have surgery at the University Hospital in Newark to repair a torn ACL and menicus, but will be out of the game for at least nine months.

"It meant the world for Johan to be part of this team," said Scotch Plains-Fanwood coach Tom Breznitsky. "He's such a great kid."

Hernandez, who recently verbally committed to playing and attending Providence College next year, will likely be red-shirted as he recovers. Breznitsky said that he has become an unofficial assistant coach and has continued to attend practices.

At a recent game against Bridgewater-Raritan, Hernandez sat on the team's bench, cheering on his teammates.

"I came down on it pretty bad trying to volley a ball across — the way it happened I knew there was something wrong. The fact that it was my ACL again was kind of a surprise," Hernandez said. "I re-tore my ACL and meniscus."

Hernandez slightly hurt his knee on the team's trip to Brazil over the summer, but he had an MRI and everything seemed OK.

"I have talked to a lot of people and have had a lot of people in my corner 
supporting me,'' he said.

Hernandez said he didn't have any regrets of coming back this year with such a bright future ahead.

"Not at all, I have always looked forward to playing soccer at all times," Hernandez said. "Whatever it is. High school, club — I don't regret it.''

 


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