D.C. United shot-stopper Hamid out after knee surgery
If Bill Hamid didn't have bad luck, the D.C. United shot-stopper would have no luck at all.
The 26-year-old is set for another spell on the sidelines following knee surgery, with the Washington Post's Steven Goff reporting that United's first-choice 'keeper will miss six weeks.
After another right knee operation saw Hamid miss 14 matches last season, the twice-capped United States international is set for a second stretch on the treatment table that will keep him out of his club's preseason training.
United's camp kicks off Monday, with the regular season starting March 4 against Sporting Kansas City at the RFK Stadium.
Last season's setback was deemed more serious, with Hamid eventually making his first United appearance on May 27, the club's 13th fixture of the campaign.
Disappointed to be ruled out of @ussoccer January Camp, but I thank Bruce and his medical staff for the encouragement to begin 2017 healthy
— Bill Hamid (@BillHamid28) January 11, 2017
Hamid's latest knee concern forced him to pull out of Bruce Arena's January training camp ahead of World Cup qualifier tuneups with Serbia (Jan. 29) and Jamaica (Feb. 3).
In Hamid's absence, Travis Worra will assume the No. 1 role.
Last season, Andrew Dysktra took over for Hamid before a back injury sidelined United's understudy, prompting Worra's inclusion. Dykstra has since been released by the club, putting pen to paper on a deal with Sporting Kansas City earlier in January.
Out of the national team program since 2012, the 2014 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year was eager to fight for first-choice duties with Colorado's Tim Howard and Middlesbrough summer signing Brad Guzan.