croix bethune knee injury :In a turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the soccer world, Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune, a rising star and member of the U.S. women’s national team, has been ruled out for the rest of the 2024 season due to a torn meniscus. The injury occurred during an honor at a Washington Nationals baseball game, where Bethune threw out the ceremonial first pitch last week.
The Spirit made the announcement on Wednesday, confirming that Bethune, who was previously on fire this season, would not return to the field. Coach Jonatan Giráldez revealed that the injury happened while Bethune was participating in the ceremonial pitch at the Nationals game. “She had a problem making the first pitch the other day [at] the baseball game,” Giráldez told reporters. “It’s bad, bad news, but in the end, it’s part of life. We have to keep going.”
The 23-year-old rookie’s absence is a substantial loss for both the Spirit and the U.S. national team. Bethune has had an impressive debut season in the NWSL, recording five goals and 10 assists in just 17 matches. Her 10th assist tied Tobin Heath’s 2016 record for the most assists in a single NWSL season, a remarkable achievement in only her 12th career game.
Bethune’s contributions were not limited to her assist record. She was named NWSL Rookie of the Month for March/April, May, June, and August, becoming the first player to win the award in consecutive months. The Spirit selected Bethune with the third pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft after her standout college career at Georgia and Southern California, where she earned All-American honors.
Her injury comes at a challenging time for the Spirit, who are navigating a tight playoff race. The team, currently in strong contention with a 12-2-4 record, will have to adapt without Bethune’s dynamic playmaking. Her presence on the field had been instrumental in the Spirit’s success this season, and her absence leaves a significant void in the squad.
Despite the setback, Bethune’s future remains bright. Her rookie season has showcased her talent and potential, and the Spirit and their fans will be eagerly awaiting her return. For now, Bethune’s recovery will be closely watched, as she aims to bounce back stronger and continue her rise in professional soccer.
