Charge's Smith to Have Surgery Thursday

Published on June 19, 2002 under Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
Philadelphia Charge News Release


Villanova, PA (June 19, 2001) - Philadelphia Charge midfielder Kelly Smith will undergo reconstructive ACL surgery on her right knee Thursday, June 20 at University of Pennsylvania Hospital. Team Physician Dr. William DeLong will perform the procedure.

Smith tore her ACL during the Charge's 0-0 tie against the defending Founders Cup champion San Jose CyberRays on Saturday, June 1, when she awkwardly planted her leg attempting a pass to teammate Zhao Lihong. The Englishwoman had accumulated four goals and three assists for 11 points prior to the injury and was named the WUSA Player of the Month for May on the same day the injury was diagnosed (Monday, June 3).

This is the first time Smith will be undergoing any type of reconstruction on her knees and if everything goes as planned she is expected to be back at full strength for next season.

The Charge travel to Cary, NC to take on the Carolina Courage tonight at 7 pm in a battle for first place in the WUSA standings. Philadelphia (6-1-2) sits in first place with 20 points, while the second-place Courage (5-1-3) are just two points behind. The game can be seen live on CN8, the Comcast Network.

The Charge return home on Saturday, June 29 to face the Atlanta Beat at Villanova Stadium starting at 7 pm. The first 5,000 kids 14 & under to the game will receive a Charge Autograph Book courtesy of Hyundai. For ticket information call 215-467-GOAL or log on to PhiladelphiaCharge.com for the latest news and stats.

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