Frankie Hejduk (file photo)

The U.S. Soccer team has already made a change to its World Cup roster that it announced on Tuesday.

Chris Albright will replace defender Frankie Hejduk who on Wednesday was diagnosed with a torn right knee ligament.

Heyduk, a two-time World Cup veteran, suffered the injury while playing on Saturday for his professional team, Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew. Hejduk completed the match as well as a training session Tuesday before experiencing pain in his knee. An MRI examination Wednesday confirmed the ligament injury.

Chris Albright, who plays for the MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy, had been named to the 13-player alternate list for next month's World Cup in Germany. He has appeared in 19 matches for the U.S. national soccer team, starting five World Cup qualifiers last year. The 27-year-old Albright is capable of playing either the right or left side on defense.