U.S. soccer star Rose Lavelle will not play for the Washington Spirit this weekend because of a hamstring ailment that had threatened to sideline her before the Women’s World Cup final July 7.
Spirit Coach Richie Burke said Monday that Lavelle will need time to recuperate and won’t be in uniform against the Houston Dash on Saturday night at Maryland SoccerPlex. She will, however, attend the match and greet fans.
Lavelle, 24, could return to National Women’s Soccer League action July 24 at New Jersey-based Sky Blue FC, Burke said.
U.S. attacker Mallory Pugh, a reserve at the World Cup, is likely to play for the Spirit on Saturday.