McCall Zerboni celebrates her penalty kick during the NWSL Challenge Cup. (Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports)
HARRISON, N.J. – Sky Blue FC midfielder McCall Zerboni will miss the 2020 NWSL Fall Series after tearing her left meniscus during the Challenge Cup.
The U.S. international had surgery in August and has been undergoing rehab since then.
“I am bummed to announce that I tore my left meniscus during the first match of the Challenge Cup,” Zerboni said in a statement. “I pushed to play through the injury and finish the Cup, unfortunately, it became clear that I would need surgery to repair my knee to prepare for 2021. I had successful surgery in the middle of August and have begun the rehab process. I am working hard and will absolutely come back stronger than ever.”
One of the fiercest ball-hawking midfielders in the National Women’s Soccer League, Sky Blue FC will miss Zerboni’s presence.
“McCall was a big player for us in the Challenge Cup and we are fortunate that she was able to manage her injury and finish the tournament,” Sky Blue FC head coach Freya Coombe said in a statement. “I am disappointed that she will miss the fall series as she has such a presence on the field but I am looking forward to her being back and fully fit in the future.”
The 33-year-old Zerboni joined Sky Blue in January, as she brought her signature high-energy, vocal leadership to the club. She started all five of her Challenge Cup appearances and completed just under 80 passes of her passes.
“It was important that we not rush her back to playing this fall but focus on her long-term rehabilitation to help Sky Blue reach its goals in the future,” general manager Alyse LaHue said in a statement. “She was an absolute warrior to power through the Challenge Cup with this injury and lead us into the Semifinals, so now it’s time for us to be here for her and help her in this recovery journey.”
