The Houston Dash announced Wednesday that defender Annika Schmidt and midfielder Kelcie Hedge have each undergone successful surgeries to repair torn ACLs.
Both players will miss the remainder of the season as a result and have been placed on the NWSL’s season-ending injury list. They will now begin work with Houston’s trainers to rehabilitate the injuries.
Hedge has been out since June 3 when she went down with an injury during a match against the Orlando Pride. Schmidt, meanwhile, went down in May with her ACL injury. They’re the latest in a growing list of players to have suffered season-ending injuries early on in the season.
In March, Tierna Davidson (ACL) and Lynn Williams (hamstring) each suffered injuries that ended their seasons, while others like Christen Press and Kayla Sharples have more recently gone down with tears to their ACL.
Tierna Davidson, Marta and Mallory Weber also tore their ACLs. Prior to the start of the season, Angel City defender Sarah Gorden went out with a leg injury that has not been disclosed. She has yet to make her return.
In total, seven known season-ending ACL injuries have plagued the beginning of the NWSL season.
The NWSL is currently on international break, with many players set to play for their national teams. Houston next plays on July 1 against Kansas City.