United announces Nava injures ACL again

New Mexico United announced Tuesday that Cristian Nava has suffered another to his ACL. Nava will undergo surgery to repair the injury, is expecting a recovery of about eight months, and will miss the 2024 season.

“Cristian is a fighter and a winner,” said United Sporting Director Itamar Keinan. “We are all truly devastated by this injury, but every one of us will rally around Cristian in his recovery. We are supremely confident that he will come back stronger than ever. We ask that you keep Cristian in your thoughts through this time.”

Nava, a 20-year-old Albuquerque High School graduate, earned the 2022 Golden Ball as the USL Academy Playoffs’ top player while playing for the New Mexico United Academy. He tore his ACL during the 2023 preseason and has not played since. Nava was available to play for the first time in over a year for United’s U.S. Open Cup match in Rio Rancho on April 16 but did not take the pitch in NMU’s 3-1 win over Lubbock at Rio Rancho High School.

“Cristian has shown incredible growth through this long recovery process, and we are blessed to have him in our locker room,” said United Head Coach Eric Quill. “Every coach, player, and staff member is committed to being there for Cristian and fighting for him all season long.”