The WNY midfielder will miss the remainder of the season.
ELMA, N.Y. — Western New York Flash midfielder Lianne Sanderson will miss the remainder of the 2016 NWSL season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee, the team announced on Friday.
Sanderson suffered the injury during the first half of the team’s international friendly against the Thailand Women’s National Team at Canisius College last Saturday.
“It’s a bitter blow to the team, Lianne, and the whole organization,” Flash Head Coach Paul Riley said. “She is not only a huge asset on the field, but a massive part of our locker room and team character. The most important thing is getting Lianne healthy and back playing. She is a true lover of football and I know she will do everything possible to return to playing in the shortest and safest time, and we will be with her every step of the way.”
The 28-year-old English midfielder was acquired in a trade with Orlando on June 21. Sanderson started 8 matches and made 9 appearances for the Flash, tallying 3 goals in her 702 minutes.