Orlando Pride and Australia Women’s National Team defender Steph Catley will miss the remainder of the 2016 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season after suffering a left metatarsal fracture and right hamstring strain during the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“We know Steph’s disappointed and we’re obviously devastated that we won’t be seeing her in an Orlando Pride shirt again this season,” Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni said. “But we’re confident that Steph and our medical team at Orlando Health will work together to have her back and strong for the 2017 season.”
"Obviously it's incredibly disappointing. Before going to the Olympics I hadn't missed a minute for the Pride, so it's going to be really hard to watch from the sidelines,” Catley said. “I'm so grateful for this amazing club and all of the support from my teammates and the fans that I have already received. I have so much faith in this playing group that we will have a strong end to the season."
In Rio, Catley helped lead the Australian-side to its first Olympic quarterfinal appearance since 2004, before falling to host Brazil in penalty kicks.
Before heading to Rio, Catley appeared in 11 matches for Orlando, playing all 990 minutes. The left back scored the first goal in Pride history, netting on a set piece in the Club’s inaugural match at Portland Thorns FC. Catley also has one assist on the season.