Wellington Phoenix and New Zealand U-20 striker Ella McCann has suffered a season-ending knee injury while at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
McCann (19), who last month signed with the Wellington Phoenix on a two-year scholarship deal, has torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee and will miss the 2024-25 women’s A-League.
She suffered the injury in Bogotá on the eve of New Zealand’s opening match at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Her knee was in a brace and she used crutches as she watched New Zealand’s 7-0 defeat to Japan from the bench.
READ MORE: New Zealand outplayed by impressive Japan at FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup >>>>
Phoenix head coach Paul Temple said: “I’m devastated for Ella.
“It should be the most exciting time of her fledgling career.
“She’s just signed her maiden professional contract and should be testing herself against the best young footballers on the planet at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
“It’s cruel that this injury has happened now, but we’ll support Ella throughout her rehab, and I’m sure she’ll come back stronger than ever in 2025.”
Ella McCann will remain with the New Zealand team for initial treatment before returning home.
Ella McCann (right) makes a tackle for the New Zealand U-19 side at last year’s OFC U-19 Women’s Championship. Photo: Phototek.
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup fixtures
Game to be played on Friday September 6, 2024 (NZT)
Austria v New Zealand
El Techo Stadium, Bogotá, 1pm (NZT)
Game to be played on Monday September 9, 2024 (NZT)
New Zealand v Ghana
Pascual Guerrero Stadium, Cali, 11am (NZT)
This story was first published on September 5, 2024.
More football stories
