Alex Morgan Undergoes Minor Knee Procedure

The Portland Thorns will have to play without star forward Alex Morgan for at least another few weeks, the Thorns and U.S. Soccer announced today.

Morgan underwent arthroscopic surgery on her right knee to remove a plica, a small fold in the lining of the knee joint that was causing irritation.  She will begin rehabilitation immediately.

It was apparent that something was amiss with Morgan following the Thorns 1-0 loss to Sky Blue FC on Saturday, as Thorns head coach Paul Riley was coy about her status when speaking to the media following the match, per reports.

Morgan will miss the busiest stretch of the season for the Thorns, as they embark on a string of 6 matches in 3 weeks beginning July 22 against the Seattle Reign at Providence Park and ending August 12 against FC Kansas City.

Morgan has been plagued with knee and ankle injuries over the past two seasons, appearing in 14 matches in 2014 and has only made 1 appearance for the Thorns in 2015, but did appear in all 7 of the United States' World Cup matches, making 5 starts.

U.S. Soccer Press Release-

WNT Forward Alex Morgan Undergoes Minor Knee Surgery

CHICAGO (July 17, 2015) - U.S. Women's National Team forward Alex Morgan underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on her right knee this morning in Los Angeles to remove a plica, which is a small fold in the lining of the knee joint, that was causing her irritation.

The surgery was minor and Morgan should return to action for Portland Thorns FC in 3-4 weeks. She may be available for the start of USA's post-Women's World Cup tour that will span 10 matches across the country to celebrate the WNT's 2015 Women's World Cup title. The opening match of the tour will take place on Sunday, Aug. 16, against Costa Rica at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. More than 36,000 tickets have already been sold, surpassing the largest attendance for a WNT game in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which was set at a FIFA Women's World Cup first round match in Philadelphia on Sept. 25, 2003 before a crowd of 31,553. Fans can still purchase tickets to see the world champions live. [TICKETS]

A bone bruise in Morgan's left knee caused issues leading into the Women's World Cup, but the injury was successfully managed and resolved over the course of the tournament. Morgan played in all seven games for the USA, logging 434 minutes and started the final five matches.

Morgan now has 91 caps and has scored 52 goals, which puts her in 10th place on the USA's all-time scoring list, one goal behind Carin Gabarra.

Portland Thorns Press Release-

THORNS FC FORWARD ALEX MORGAN UNDERGOES MINOR KNEE SURGERY

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC forward Alex Morgan underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on her right knee this morning in Los Angeles to remove a plica, which is a small fold in the lining of the knee joint, that was causing irritation.

Morgan will begin rehabilitation immediately with Portland Timbers and Thorns FC sports medicine staff at the Providence Sports Care Center. She is expected to return to action in approximately 3 to 4 weeks.

Now in her third professional season with Thorns FC, Morgan helped guide the U.S. Women’s National Team to the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup title as she appeared in all seven matches during the tournament, logging 434 minutes while starting the last five games.