United States women’s national team and Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith’s knee injury is a mild medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in her right knee and her status is week-to-week, her club announced on Wednesday. She picked up the injury against the Washington Spirit on Sunday.
Smith exited the field under her own power just before halftime but was later seen with her knee wrapped in ice and on crutches throughout the remainder of the match. Forward Hannah Belfort subbed on for the injured Smith and Portland walked away with a 1-1 draw against the Spirit. They are still in first place on the league table as the playoff hunt is in full swing.
The 2022 NWSL MVP attempted a challenge on the ball and her knee connected with the grass on heavy impact. The week 17 fixture was her first start back from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She scored the game-winner as a substitute against North Carolina Courage on Aug. 20 and the team lept back into first…
