Injured soccer goalie's condition upgraded

WEST HAVEN (AP) -- Relatives of a University of New Haven soccer goalie who was critically injured in a game last week say he is finally awake and breathing on his own.

Boston Medical Center has upgraded Stamford resident, James Hilaire's condition from critical to serious.

New Haven was playing at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, on Sept. 24 when Hilaire was knocked unconscious by a knee to his head by a Merrimack player. The collision broke his jaw.

A Web site created to give updates on Hilaire's condition says he had surgery last weekend to repair his broken jaw. The hospital says he is now awake and able to follow and respond to commands.

New Haven's soccer team will have its first home game since the accident on Saturday, and a brief reflection will be held in Hilaire's honor.

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