Twellman Sidelined Indefinitely

Already reeling from the loss of captain Steve Ralston for the duration of the playoffs due to a broken leg, the news just got worse for the New England Revolution, who revealed on Tuesday that star forward Taylor Twellman will be sidelined indefinitely due to recurring concussion-related symptoms and has been ruled out for Thursday’s first-leg clash against the rival Chicago Fire.

Twellman may be sidelined for the rest of the year because of concussion symptoms. [ISI Photos]

Twellman initially suffered the head injury back on August 30th, when he was struck by the fists of Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Steve Cronin while scoring a goal in the first half of their 2-2 tie. Left bloodied by the collision, Twellman stayed in the game but was later diagnosed with a concussion, causing him to miss the team’s next fixture. He returned to the lineup for the following match and went on to play all 90 minutes in each of the Revolution’s final eight games, but is apparently still suffering from the effects of the injury.

“Taylor has been experiencing some ongoing issues related to the concussion he suffered against LA,” said Michael Burn, Revolution Vice President of Player Personnel. “Concussions, especially repeated concussions, are very dangerous and the most important thing for Taylor and his future – both off the field and on – is to get the rest he needs so he can return to normal as quickly as possible."

It hasn’t been a year to remember for Twellman, making only 16 appearances for the Revs in an injury-marred season. His eight goals in 2008 has pushed his career total to 99 in the regular season, putting him on the brink of becoming only the fifth player in MLS history to reach the 100-goal mark.

Twellman has also faded from the national team picture as the year has gone on, last earning a cap on 01/19/2008 when he played the first half of the United States’ 2-0 victory over Sweden in Carson, CA. He has been called up 30 times in his career, with six goals to his credit.