Vaughn's injury occurred in the 9th minute of Chivas USA's game against the Houston Dynamo on Saturday, May 3, when the Chivas USA defender, leaping to head a cross in the penalty area, was kicked in the face by Houston midfielder Dwayne De Rosario, who was attempting a bicycle kick on the play. Vaughn was operated on by Jay W. Granzow MD at the Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance, Calif. originally on Sunday, May 4 and again yesterday, May 8.

In his third year with Chivas USA, Vaughn enjoyed a breakout season in 2007, playing 24 matches (starting 22) and adding a goal and two assists while helping the team to the second-best defensive record in the league. So far in 2008, Vaughn has played four games (all as a starter), logging 237 minutes playing mostly as a right back.