Ten minutes into the Portland Thorns’ Wednesday match in Boston, the worst case scenario came into focus as one of the country’s biggest soccer stars lay on the Dilboy Stadium turf. U.S. international Alex Morgan, starting at forward for Portland, went to ground after a collision with Breakers’ defender Jazmyne Avant, resulting in an apparent left knee injury.
Stretchered from the field, Morgan appeared to be undergoing stability test used to diagnose a potential ligament injury. She was eventually replaced by Tiffany Weimer having played only 10 minutes of Portland’s match in Somerville, Mass.
Morgan entered Wednesday’s match leading her team in both goals (eight) and assists (fifth), leading the new National Women’s Soccer League in both shots (82 in 17 games) and shots on goal (44). Her contributions have helped the Thorns to second in the standings, the team four points back of league-leading Kansas City with three regular seasons games remaining.
Challenging for a ball along the Thorns’ left, Morgan extended her leg for a ball before a collision with Avant, who began the season with the Thorns. Never getting up, Morgan was carried to the sideline on a stretcher before being wheeled to the Thorns bench for further examination.
Morgan was seen at halftime walking under her own power, albeit with a large brace extending over the entirety of her left leg. Sources later told OregonLive.com’s Geoffrey Arnold that there was no apparent damage to Morgan’s anterior or medial collateral ligaments. Portland later confirmed Morgan will undergo further examination on Thursday.
Portland’s next game is Saturday in Rochester against Abby Wambach and the Western New York Flash.