Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced today that defender Christie Pearce will miss the remainder of the 2017 season due to accumulative injuries.
“I’ve always had a really good awareness of my body and the ability to recover,” said Pearce. “I feel that I started the season off strong, but I’ve been consistently fighting through injuries, and I’m not able to give to the team what I consider to be my 100%. This decision, while it is hard to swallow, I know is the right thing for me and the team because I just can’t leave it all on the field every day.”
After playing every minute of every match during the 2016 season, Pearce has been slowed by various ailments this year. She made 16 starts over 16 appearances in 2017, registering 1440 minutes.
“Something I must do is personally thank all of the fans,” said Pearce. “I feel so privileged to have their unwavering support, and they have always stood by me through thick and thin. I am also very confident that the team will push on this season in my absence. Erica and Mandy are now back to full fitness, and they will make significant contributions to the team’s success the rest of the way.”
A native of Point Pleasant, N.J., Pearce has played with Sky Blue FC since the NWSL was founded in 2013. The former U.S Women’s National Team captain earned 311 caps for her country, which is the second-most in the history of international soccer (men or women). Pearce won two FIFA Women’s World Cups with the U.S. WNT, as well as winning three Olympic Gold Medals and one Olympic Silver Medal.
“It goes without saying that Christie Pearce will be greatly missed throughout the rest of the 2017 season,” said Tony Novo, Sky Blue FC President & General Manager. “We must always remember that players have a life off the field as well, and their personal well-being must remain at the forefront of a decision like this.”
Sky Blue FC will return to action on Saturday when it hosts Seattle Reign FC for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff at Yurcak Field in Piscataway, N.J. Individual and group tickets are available now online or by calling 888-SBFC-TIX (888-723-2849).
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