Reign FC announced today that it has placed midfielder Jess Fishlock on the Season-Ending Injury list. Fishlock tore her ACL in the 50th minute of the club’s 2-0 win over Utah Royals FC on June 28.

“It’s absolutely devastating for us as a team to lose a player and a leader like Jess,” Reign FC head coach Vlatko Andonovski said. “But this season has been about facing and overcoming adversity – this will just be another test for our squad. I am confident our players will again rise to the challenge.”

“We are heartbroken for Jess, but know that her tenacity and resilience will help her make a quick return to the pitch,” said Reign FC majority owner Bill Predmore. “The reports back from the medical team have been really encouraging – beyond the ACL tear there was no additional damage. She’ll have surgery on Monday and the guidance we’re being provided is that she should easily be ready to go well before preseason.”

Fishlock scored three goals and recorded one assist in five matches with Reign FC this season. During that span, the club has gone 3-0-2 and moved up to third in the league table. Fishlock was also named NWSL Player of the Month in June.

“I am obviously disappointed by the injury, but am confident in my ability to make a quick return early next year,” said Fishlock. “The word from the medical team has been super encouraging, so I expect to get the surgery behind me quickly and begin the rehab process next week. I’ll be rooting the team on from the bench and will do everything possible to support the squad through the season.”

Reign FC captain Lauren Barnes shared a message of support.

“Sport can be so cruel,” Barnes said. “Jess has been the backbone of this organization from day one and her presence on the field will be truly missed the rest of this season. With that said, Jess is many things, but most importantly she is brave and I know she’ll recover stronger than ever. I know she will be a key component in the Reign’s success this year. She will continue to be a leader for this group in so many different ways and we can’t wait to have her back out there with us.”

“No matter what I say, it’s not going to be enough to explain how important she is for this team. Not only in terms of her playing abilities, but also in terms of her leadership for a young group of players,” continued Andonovski. “While I wish she was out on the pitch, I am excited to have her working with me and the technical staff to continue to push the team forward.”