[MLS] The third time around for Clint Mathis in a Galaxy uniform has been put on hold. Mathis, 33, underwent surgery last Friday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee he suffered in training, according to a team press release. The procedure, performed at Surgery Center of the Pacific in Santa Monica, will sideline Mathis four to six weeks. He could be ready in time for the season opener March 27 against New England.

The former U.S. international re-joined Los Angeles last month in a trade with Real Salt Lake, which defeated the Galaxy on penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie Nov. 22 to win MLS Cup. After completing his collegiate career at South Carolina, Mathis played for the Galaxy from 1998 to 2000 and again in 2007. His other MLS stops include Co lorado and the New York MetroStars/Red Bulls in addition to RSL, and he also played club ball for Hannover (Germany) and Ergotelis (Greece).

His career league stats are 249 games, 61 goals and 52 assists. For RSL last year he played 28 games (24 starts), scored two goals, and compiled seven assists after failing to register a point in 11 games the previous season after returning to MLS from Greece. His MLS playoff stats are 27 games, five goals, and three assists.

The Galaxy has not yet finalized its preseason plans but a team spokesman said the team will remain in Southern California for the most part. It is heading to Arizona later this month to play two or three games against MLS opposition, and last Friday announced a match with Costa Rican club Puntarenas to be played March 10 at Titan Stadium in Fullerton, Calif.