Timbers Defender Nat Borchers Needs Achilles surgery

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Portland Timbers defender Nat Borchers needs surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon and will miss the rest of the season.

Borchers was hurt on Saturday during the Timbers' 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy.

It did not appear that the veteran defender was injured by contact when he collapsed to the turf late in the first half. Borchers could not stand after he was treated on the field and left on a stretcher.

Borchers, 35, is a fan favorite and was a key last season when the Timbers won the MLS Cup. The injury comes at a time when another starting defender, Liam Ridgewell, is dealing with a calf injury.

Borchers posted a message to Twitter thanking fans for their thoughts and prayers.

The Timbers said Monday that the surgery had not yet been scheduled.