Sam Coffey joins the USWNT’s injury list ahead of the showdown with Spain
Coffey suffered what looked to be an ankle injury in a game with her club, England's Manchester City, on Sunday. Jaelin Howell of NWSL-leading Gotham FC was called in to replace her.
The U.S. women’s soccer team’s injury list took yet another hit on Monday when key midfielder Sam Coffey was ruled out of the two-game series with Spain.
U.S. Soccer said Coffey suffered an injury on Sunday playing for her club, England’s Manchester City, against Arsenal. The announcement didn’t say what the injury was, but it was known that she took a hit to her left ankle during the game.
A few minutes later, Coffey posted photos on her Instagram account of herself holding that ankle during the game, and of the foot in a boot some time afterward. That was enough confirmation.
“[T]he highs and lows of football,” she wrote. “Epic wins followed by deep disappointment. But I know my God doesn’t waste a thing, and somehow, it’s all part of the story He’s writing. I’ll be cheering on my girls from afar.”
She also promised she’d be “back real soon.” We’ll have to wait to see if that proves true.
The 27-year-old Penn State product will be especially missed against Spain, the reigning World Cup champions with unparalleled skill at possession in midfield. She can win the ball and help keep it from opponents.
Jaelin Howell of Gotham FC was called in as Coffey’s replacement. She has been a key part of the top team in the NWSL this year, and has six national team caps. The last was last December.
» READ MORE: A look at some of the players to watch in the U.S.-Spain series
Coffey is the second U.S. player initially named to this roster who withdrew because of an injury. Star centerback Naomi Girma suffered a muscle injury last Tuesday, just hours before Emma Hayes announced the 24-player squad.
Girma was withdrawn on Thursday, and her replacement was announced Sunday: Utah Royals centerback Kate Del Fava.
Spain will also be without one of its stars, midfield playmaker Mariona Caldentey. She suffered a hamstring injury in the same Man City-Arsenal game, playing for the latter side.
The U.S.-Spain games will take place at Washington’s Audi Field on Saturday (2:30 p.m., TBS, Telemundo 62) and at Subaru Park next Tuesday (7 p.m., TNT, Universo). Both are close to sold out. Ticket prices for the game here start at $82 on U.S. Soccer’s official platform.
The updated U.S. roster is below.
Goalkeepers (3): Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, England)
Defenders (9): Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC), Kate Del Fava (Utah Royals), Emily Fox (Arsenal, England), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Lilly Reale (Boston Legacy), Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit), Evelyn Shores (Angel City FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave)
Midfielders (6): Lindsey Heaps (Denver Summit), Jaelin Howell (Gotham FC), Claire Hutton (Bay FC), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Stars), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes, France)
Forwards (8): Trinity Byars (San Diego Wave), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage), Pietra Tordin (Portland Thorns), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea, England), Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns)
