The Washington Spirit, already hit by numerous injuries stemming back to last year, lost another key piece today, as striker Francisca Ordega was placed on the 45 day disabled list due to a knee injury suffered in training this week. According to the club, Ordega will have to undergo an arthroscopic procedure to correct a chondral defect in her knee. Losing Ordega - who leads the team in both goals (4) and assists (3) - is a harsh blow for an attack that was just rounding into form.
The fact that Washington is using a 45 day designation rather than a season-ending injury (as was the case with Joanna Lohman, who tore her ACL less than 20 minutes into the season opener) is reason for optimism.