Chilliwack soccer product Jordyn Huitema tears ACL, out for rest of NWSL season

CHICAGO — Canadian forward Jordyn Huitema, a product of Chilliwack, has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her left leg and will miss the rest of the National Women’s Soccer League season.

Chicago Stars FC placed Huitema on the season-ending injury list Tuesday after she sustained the knee injury in Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Angel City FC.

The team said Huitema will undergo surgery and begin her rehabilitation. Recovery time for a torn ACL can take from six to 12 months.

“I’ve always believed that so much of life is out of our control, but how we choose to respond, is always ours,” Huitema wrote in an Instagram post. “Finding out I tore my ACL, has been heartbreaking. Soccer has given me so much, and having it taken away, even temporarily, hurts more than I can put into words.

“While I’m away from the game I love, I’m choosing to see this as an opportunity to pour my heart into my relationships, building my business, creating something meaningful during this season of life and coming back stronger than I left.”

Huitema had four goals in 12 games this season for the Stars, who she joined on a transfer from Seattle Reign FC in March.

The 25-year-old from Chilliwack, B.C., has produced 24 goals and seven assists in 98 appearances, including 43 starts, for the Canadian women’s senior team.

The injury rules her out for November’s CONCACAF W Championship, which will serve as a qualifier for both the 2027 World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

“The Chicago Stars wish Jordyn a speedy recovery with full support from the club and look forward to her return to the pitch,” the NWSL team said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2021.

The Canadian Press