United States' first choice right back Ali Krieger will miss six-to-eight months after suffering tears in her right medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligaments on Friday night, US Soccer confirmed on Saturday.
The injury, which will require reconstructive surgery to repair, was diagnosed after a Saturday morning MRI. Krieger's recovery will likely to sideline her for this summer's London Olympic Games, should the US qualify.
Krieger was stretchered from the field during Olympic qualifying in Vancouver after suffering the injury in the first half of the US 14-0 victory over the Dominican Republic.
"I feel so unfortunate and I wouldn't wish this on anyone, especially to have it happen in a match where we were in control," Krieger said in a statement released by US Soccer. "Soccer is a funny game and this is part of being an athlete … with all the support from my teammates, my family and friends and from [US] Soccer, I will come back stronger than ever."
Krieger landed awkwardly on her right knee after following through on a first half shot, her balance thrown off by an errant tackle from a Dominican Republic defender. The 27-year-old Penn State graduate went to ground in pain and was eventually replaced by veteran defender Heather Mitts.
No date has been set for Krieger's surgery.
“You can’t control (injuries) so you look at the situation, "US head coach Pia Sundhage told USSoccer.com.
“I’m really sorry for Ali, but she’s young and there are so many games in front of her. I hope she comes back (strong) and I know she will.”
Krieger experienced a breakout tournament in last summer's Women's World Cup held in Germany, where she lives and plays professionally (FFC Frankfurt). She received national attention in the quarterfinals by converting the final penalty kick in the United States' quarterfinal shootout victory over Brazil.
