Croix Bethune will be sidelined for the rest of the National Women’s Soccer League season.
The 23-year-old was selected by the Washington Spirit in January’s NWSL Draft. She has five goals and 10 assists in 17 games this season and took the mound ahead of the Washington Nationals’ game against the New York Yankees late last month to threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Bethune appeared to grimace slightly as she walked off the mound.
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United States Olympian Croix Bethune throws out the first pitch before a game between the Washington Nationals and the New York Yankees at Nationals Park Aug. 28, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (G Fiume/Getty Images)
One week later, the Spirit announced the rookie tore the meniscus in her knee “away from training.” She will rehab the injury, but she will not recover in time to compete in any of the club’s remaining nine games of the 2024 season.
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Bethune did not travel with the team for Sunday’s 1-1 draw against the San Diego Wave.
U.S. Olympic women’s soccer team member Croix Bethune sets down her gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics on the pitcher’s mound so she can throw the opening pitch before a game between the Washington Nationals and New York Yankees Aug. 28, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
“She had a problem making the first pitch in the baseball game,” Spirit coach Jonatan Giráldez said after the match. “She is not going to be available this season. It is part of life. You have to keep going.”
Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune dribbles the ball during Washington’s 3-0 win over Bay FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif., July 6, 2024. (David Gonzales-USA Today Sports)
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Bethune was honored alongside Spirit teammates and fellow Olympians Trinity Rodman, Casey Krueger and Hal Hershfelt at Nationals Park Aug. 28.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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