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San Diego Spirit's Joy Fawcett Undergoes Successful Ankle Surgery

April 5, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
San Diego Spirit News Release


SAN DIEGO - San Diego Spirit defender Joy Fawcett underwent successful arthroscopic ankle surgery this morning to remove bone spurs from her right ankle. She is expected to be back in the lineup in two-to-four weeks.

"She just needed a lube and oil change in that ankle," said Spirit athletic trainer Tony Ontiveros. "It started bothering her this week, but we didn't know how much it was hurting until late yesterday. It's better to take care of it sooner than later, especially early in the season. We all know of Joy's amazing healing powers and we expect a speedy recovery."

Fawcett, who has played 211 times and in five world championships for the U.S. Women's National Team, has never missed a Spirit game due to injury, but did miss most of the 2001 WUSA season after recovering from the birth of her third daughter.

"Anytime you lose one of the best the defenders in the world, it's going to be tough on the team," said Spirit head coach Omid Namazi. "No one person can replace her so everyone on the team needs to step up their games. It's a big challenge, but one the players will respond to."

If Fawcett takes the full four weeks to recover, she would miss three to four games.

"It's not a big thing, just something I have to take care of," said Fawcett. "It hurts to miss the first game, but I have tremendous confidence in my teammates. They have trained hard and are ready to compete. The San Diego fans are the best in the country and I can't wait to get back and play for them."

The San Diego Spirit is a charter member of the WUSA and plays their home matches at the 7,035-seat Torero Stadium on the campus of the University of San Diego. The Spirit kicks off their third season of action on April 5, against the Boston Breakers. Kickoff is 6 p.m. PT. For season, mini-plan or group ticket information, please contact the Spirit ticket office at 1-877-4SOCCER (1-877-476-2237) or 619-692-9872, or visit the club's website at www.sandiegospirit.com. Single-game tickets can be purchased through all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 619-220-TIXS or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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