Washington Spirit rookie midfielder Croix Bethune will miss the remainder of the NWSL season due to a knee injury sustained while throwing the ceremonial first pitch at a Washington Nationals game. The Spirit announced that Bethune, a member of the U.S. Olympic team that secured gold in Paris, tore her meniscus during the pitch and will be sidelined for the rest of the 2024 season as she undergoes rehabilitation.
The 23-year-old Bethune, who was the third overall pick in the NWSL draft, has been a key player for the Spirit, contributing five goals and 10 assists in 17 games. Despite her impactful performance on the field, the unfortunate injury occurred during a non-soccer-related event, highlighting the unpredictable nature of sports injuries.
Bethune's absence was felt during the Spirit's recent match against the San Diego Wave, where she was unable to join her teammates. Spirit coach Jonatan Giráldez expressed understanding of the situation, emphasizing the need to adapt and move forward in the face of setbacks.
Prior to her injury, Bethune had the honor of throwing the first pitch at a Nationals game alongside her Spirit teammates and fellow Olympians Trinity Rodman, Casey Krueger, and Hal Hershfelt. While the moment was undoubtedly special, Bethune's discomfort as she left the mound hinted at the injury that would later be diagnosed.
As Bethune focuses on her recovery, the Spirit will continue their season without one of their standout players. The team will look to rally together and maintain their competitive edge as they navigate the challenges of the NWSL season without Bethune's on-field contributions.
