Valour Defender Matthew Chandler Out Long-Term

Less than one month after signing with Valour FC, Canadian defender Matthew Chandler is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering an ACL injury.

The 23-year-old made his league debut at the tail of Valour’s two-nil opening win over York United before earning his first start in a shocking cup loss to the TSS Rovers. He wasn’t included in the squad for their home opener against Atletico Ottawa, though it isn’t known if that was due to his injury.

The defender will be working with the club’s therapy staff throughout he season, though there’s no estimated return date for the six-foot-six player as of yet.

Phillip Dos Santos had inked Chandler after he impressed the the side during a preseason trial after going unselected in the MLS SuperDraft.

Before turning professional in Winnipeg, he made 21 appearances for the Wisconsin Badgers, prior to which the Toronto native suited up for St. John’s University 52 times, earning Big East Conference All-Academic Team honours from 2018 through to 2021. 

Chandler had also has experience playing in Canada through the Oakville Blue Devils, making 13 appearances with the team reaching the championship final.

There have been a gamut of league-wide injuries after each team was put through a gauntlet of three matches in their first week of action, with Chandler falling as the first long-term injury.

We wish the Valour defender all the best in his recovery.

Header Image Photo Credit: Hazel May