Houston Dash midfielder Carli Lloyd suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain in Saturday night’s match in Orlando. An MRI scan this morning confirmed the injury.
Lloyd suffered the injury in the fifth minute when she went in for a tackle against an Orlando player. The expected recovery time for an injury of this nature is three to six weeks.
“I would like to thank everyone for their well wishes. Obviously, I’m very disappointed with the injury. I was feeling great and starting to get comfortable with my Dash teammates,” Lloyd said. “The timing is not great but I’m confident that I will come back in peak condition. Rehab starts tomorrow and you’ll see me on the field soon.”
The Dash return to BBVA Compass Stadium on Friday to host Sky Blue FC (7:30 p.m. CT). Sky Blue FC defeated Seattle Reign FC to open the season and fell 2-1 against the Washington Spirit on Sunday.
"We all are thinking positive thoughts for Carli as she focuses on getting healthy soon, just like we have for Melissa Henderson, Morgan Brian and Cari Roccaro," Dash head coach Randy Waldrum said. "I appreciate all of our fans and their concerns and well wishes! The Dash will take the 'next player up' approach as we prepare for Sky Blue this Friday.”
Dash managing director Brian Ching also wished Lloyd a speedy recovery and emphasized that the younger players on the roster will have an opportunity to make an impact beginning on Friday night.
“We wish Carli the best as she recovers from this injury,” Ching said. “We have built a deep squad this season. There has been a lot of competition for playing time and with the recent injuries it is a great opportunity for other players to step in and get minutes this Friday against Sky Blue FC.”
Tickets for Friday night’s match start at $15 and full season tickets for all nine remaining Dash matches and the NWSL Championship game are available for $125. For more information or tickets, visit HoustonDashSoccer.com/tickets.
