RSL's Javier Morales nursing hip injury after win over D.C. United

Javier Morales stopped near midfield late in Saturday night's win over D.C. United, put his hand up and asked to be taken off the field.

When play continued, Morales eventually plopped down on the grass and waited, before finally walking to the bench in noticeable pain.

It was perhaps the worst scene of the night for RSL, who dismantled United 3-0, moving to the top of the Western Conference standings and securing the league's all-time shutout record for goalkeeper Nick Rimando.

After the game, Morales said he wasn't entirely sure what was wrong.

"I don't know. I don't know exactly what happened, but it's something with my [left hip] here," Morales said in the locker room. "I saw the doctor and the doctor say it take me maybe a couple days. I have to take my body the next two [or] three days and what's going on during the week."

Morales first looked to be in pain when he took a late corner kick, but the midfielder said the injury happened a few minutes earlier.

"I think it was a counterattack and somebody tackled me from behind," he said. "I went to the ground. After that, when I take the corner kick it felt worse."

RSL coach Jeff Cassar noticed the initial injury, but was led to believe it wasn't bad.

"He gave me that look, like he was going to be fine, and then I think he went another three or four minutes, then had to come off," Cassar said. "We'll evaluate him tonight and tomorrow to see how he's doing."

RSL has leaned heavily on the 34-year-old Morales this year. The team's oldest field player is second on the team in minutes played, at 1,926. He's scored six goals. And after notching a pair of assists Saturday night, Morales is second on the league leader board with nine helpers.

afalk@sltrib.com

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