United States women’s national team star Megan Rapinoe was forced off the pitch early into OL Reign’s 2-1 win over Kansas City Current, causing an injury scare as the Women’s World Cup approaches.
Rapinoe appeared to have suffered a calf injury and was unable to continue, being substituted off in the seventh minute. The player failed to feature in the USWNT’s friendlies against Ireland in April, due to the recurring calf injury adding to her time on the sidelines. The 37-year-old also missed the beginning of the 2023 NWSL season while recovering from an ankle injury.
“She’s ok, I think. I truly don’t know the severity of it,” OL Reign head coach Laura Harvey stated. “I’m glad she could get out quickly and not have to push through it.”
Rapinoe has scored 56 goals in 169 appearances for the USWNT. It would be a huge loss for the USWNT and head coach Vtlatko Andonovski if Rapinoe is unable to make the trip down under given her impact on the American side.
Rapinoe was an integral part to the USWNT’s back-to-back World Cup triumphs, winning the Golden Boot with six goals in the 2019 edition. Beyond the field, her absence would be felt in the lockerrom as she remains one of the most influential veterans with years of experience.
Should the OL Reign player fail to feature in the World Cup, Andonovski would likely depend on Mallory Swanson and youngster Alyssa Thompson.