U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) midfielder Megan Rapinoe has torn the right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee. The injury happened during training on December 4 as the USWNT prepares for the final games on its Victory Tour. According to U.S. Soccer, the injury is described as non-contact.
Rapinoe, through a statement from U.S. Soccer, seemed upbeat all things considered:
“I want to thank my teammates and the staff for the amazing support I’ve received so far,” said Rapinoe. “I know I’ll be in the best of hands moving forward and I’ll be doing everything I can to get healthy as soon as possible. This is obviously a very difficult time, but I do feel super confident in my recovery as I’ve gone through this before and I know what the process will be like. I want everyone to know that I’ll be fine, and that I’m currently accepting any recommendations for TV shows to binge watch and great restaurants that deliver in Seattle. I’m also going to get really good at FIFA 16.”
Rapinoe has scored 31 times in 113 appearances, which include the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. In the 2015 World Cup, she was named to the FIFA All-Star Team and was one of 10 players shortlisted for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award. Additionally, Rapinoe won a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics.
“All of our hearts feel for Megan and she’s certainly a major part of this team, both on and off the field, so to see her go down is tough” said U.S. head coach Jill Ellis. “Players getting injured is always hard, but all of her teammates know that one of the strengths of this team is depth and everyone in the player pool is prepared to step up as we continue to prepare for Olympic qualifying. Megan has a great support system and she’s very resilient, so we know she will be back as soon as possible.”
Rapinoe will return to Seattle for surgery. In college, the midfielder tore her left ACL twice.
The group stage of the women’s soccer tournament in the 2016 Rio Olympics begins on Wednesday, August 3.