Australia and Manchester City forward Mary Fowler exited last Sunday’s FA Cup semifinal with a confirmed ACL injury, cutting short what had been a promising season for the young international star.

“Mary will remain under the care of the club’s medical team and start her rehabilitation,” City said after the team’s 2-0 loss to crosstown rivals Manchester United.

“It’s never easy when something like this happens, especially when you’ve been working so hard and feeling good,” Fowler added.

Fowler scored six goals in 17 WSL appearances for Manchester City this season, coupled with a league-leading seven assists. She joined City in 2022 from French side Montpellier, signing a four-year contract with the English team.

The news adds to City’s mounting injury tally, as the fourth-place team enters the UK league’s home stretch with Vivianne Miedema, Bunny Shaw, and Alex Greenwood on the sidelines. Additional unavailable players include Jill Roord, Laura Blindkilde-Brown, Aoba Fujino, Rebecca Knaak, and Lauren Hemp.

Manchester City star Mary Fowler (R) of Australia Kim Hyeri (L) of Korea Republic compete for the ball during the International Friendly match between Australia Matildas and Korea Republic before tearing her ACL.
Fowler scored 16 goals over 64 appearances for Australia. (Andy Cheung/Getty Images)

Fowler injury leaves 2026 Asian Cup fitness in question

Fowler's recent ACL tear has broader implications than club play.

Australia is set to host 2026 Asian Cup, with the 22-year-old striker expected to lead the Matildas' frontline at the tournament. However, with a lengthy rehabilitation process ahead, Fowler might not be available to represent her country when the Asian Cup kicks off next March.

“This is tough news for Mary and for all of us who know the dedication and passion she brings to her craft,” Matildas interim head coach Tom Sermanni said in a national team statement. “She’s an exceptional talent and a much-loved member of our team, and we know she’ll meet this challenge with the same courage she brings to the pitch.”

“Everyone in the Matildas and Football Australia family – players, coaches, and support staff – will be right behind Mary as she takes the first steps toward her comeback,” he continued.

Fowler debuted for Australia's national team in 2018. She went on to score 16 goals over 64 appearances.

The United States Women’s National Team defeated Australia 3-0 on Friday, with a squad of fresh faces representing the U.S. in front of a record crowd of 36,109 in Sydney.

With an average age of 26-years-old, the starting lineup was the USWNT’s youngest since April 2018.

Goalkeeper Casey Murphy earned her first start and first cap, while Bethany Balcer, Morgan Weaver and Ashley Sanchez all subbed on for their international debuts.

The USWNT didn’t waste much time getting on the scoresheet, with Hatch scoring just 24 seconds into the match for her first international goal. Running onto a pass headed forward by Lynn Williams, Hatch bodied down the ball to slot through a finish from close range to go up 1-0.

The U.S. kept the scoreline at 1-0 throughout the first half, with Murphy making several crucial saves to deny Australian star Sam Kerr.

Rose Lavelle added her name to the scoresheet in the 49th minute, getting on the end of a pass from Margaret Purce, who beat her defender down the flank to send a well-placed ball into the box to double the USWNT’s lead.

The team’s last goal came in the 68th minute, with Lindsey Horan converting a penalty kick from the spot to clinch the 3-0 win. The game was Horan’s first wearing the No. 10 jersey, which was passed down to her from a retiring Carli Lloyd.

Next up: The USWNT will play the Matildas again in Newcastle, airing Tuesday at 4:05 a.m. ET on ESPN.