USWNT midfielder Megan Rapinoe tears ACL

CHICAGO (Via U.S. Soccer) – U.S. Women’s National Team and Seattle Reign midfielder Megan Rapinoe has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee. The non-contact injury occurred during training in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Dec. 4. An MRI scan confirmed the injury and Rapinoe will return home to Seattle to prepare for surgery.

Rapinoe, 30, was one of the stars for the USA at the 2015 Women’s World Cup and was named to the FIFA All-Star Team. She was also one of 10 finalists for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year. Her two goals in the opening match of the Women’s World Cup against Australia kick-started the USA’s run to the championship.

“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 tore the ACL in her left knee twice in college before she embarked on her professional career that has seen her play 113 times for the USA while scoring 31 goals.

“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.”