Megan Rapinoe’s Rio Olympics are in doubt after tearing her right ACL. (Photo Copyright Patricia Giobetti for The Equalizer)
United States national team and Seattle Reign FC midfielder Megan Rapinoe tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee during training with the U.S. team in Seattle on Friday. U.S. Soccer describes the injury as non-contact.
An MRI on Saturday in Honolulu confirmed the tear. Rapinoe will return to Seattle to prepare for surgery.
Through a statement, Rapinoe seems in good spirits.
“I want to thank my teammates and the staff for the amazing support I’ve received so far,” Rapinoe said. “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.”
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Rapinoe, 30, previously tore her left ACL twice in college. She has 31 goals in 113 games with the United States, taking part in the 2012 Olympics and the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. The U.S. won the 2015 World Cup in July. Rapinoe was named to the 2015 World Cup all-star team and was one of 10 players shortlisted for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Award.
“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 had five goals and five assists in 10 games with Seattle this NWSL season while helping the Reign win a second straight NWSL Shield as regular-season champions. She has spent all three NWSL seasons in Seattle.
