Bill Hamid expected to be sidelined '4-6 months' after undergoing knee surgery

D.C. United announced on Thursday that star goalkeeper Bill Hamid is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 months as he recovers from surgery to his right knee in an effort to repair a torn lateral meniscus.

Hamid, 25, had his surgery performed by U.S. Men's National Team medical staff member Dr. Michael Gerhardt. D.C. United boss Ben Olsen will call upon the hands of Andrew Dykstra and Travis Worra, the two backup goalkeepers on the roster, to mind Hamid's vacant spot between the posts.

Hamid, twice capped with the USMNT, is also expected to miss World Cup qualifying matches against Guatemala on March 25 and March 29.

The surgery became a medical necessity during a national team training camp where team doctors discovered significant meniscus damage sustained during offseason workouts.

It's the same knee that required surgery last summer.

The 2014 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year will most likely be unavailable for the start of the 2016 MLS season on March 6.