Catarina Macario Confirms World Cup Absence

USWNT will be without two of their best players in the hunt for World Cup glory

Unfortunately for the United States Women’s National Team, Catarina Macario has been forced to bow out of the World Cup stage this summer. The 23-year-old dynamo, who has been nursing an ACL injury since last June, announced on Tuesday that she won't be "physically ready" to don the stars and stripes in the upcoming tournament.

Macario, a Stanford alumna who netted an impressive 63 goals in 68 matches, has been conspicuously absent from the field since her injury. Her move to Lyon, the French powerhouse, in January 2021, has been a tale of promise interrupted. However, the plot thickens with Chelsea poised to sign Macario, pending medical clearance, once her contract with Lyon expires this summer.

In a heartfelt social media post, Macario pledged her unwavering support for her teammates, promising to "cheer hard" during the World Cup. She also expressed her commitment to earning her place in the U.S. National Team in the future, a testament to her resilience and determination.

For Macario, this decision is a bittersweet one. She has been acutely aware of the ticking clock, the narrowing window of opportunity to return to the field before the final roster selection for the USWNT. However, she has chosen to prioritize her long-term health over a hasty return. The World Cup trophy, which graces her home screen, remains her ultimate goal, but patience, she knows, is her ally.

There's a silver lining to this cloud. By stepping back from the World Cup, Macario can take a breather, allowing her recovery to unfold at its own pace. With a potential move to Chelsea in the pipeline, she can channel her energies into her club career and plot her triumphant return to the USWNT.

As for the USWNT, Macario's prolonged absence is a hurdle they've already started navigating. The team had been building a formidable front three with Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Macario, but injuries have thrown a spanner in the works for both Macario and Swanson. However, the USWNT's depth is its strength, and they're no strangers to adapting and overcoming.

As the USWNT gear up for the 2023 World Cup, the absence of Catarina Macario, the 23-year-old prodigy, is a blow, but by no means a knockout punch.

The USWNT's strength lies in its depth and versatility. The team is a well-oiled machine, with each cog playing its part to perfection. Even without Macario and Swanson the team may still have the firepower to take on the world.

Sophia Smith, the young forward with a knack for finding the back of the net, has been in scintillating form. Her speed, agility, and clinical finishing make her a nightmare for defenders. Alex Morgan is in goal scoring form in NWSL, and Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson are making cases to be the other starter across the front line.

As they say in the world of sports, the game isn't played on paper, but on the pitch. The USWNT without two of their best players will have to prove their mettle in every match, against every opponent. They will have to play with passion and precision, with courage and composure. They will have to play like champions if they want any chance to lift the trophy for a third time in a row.