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On Tuesday, the Breakers endured the first setback of the Tom Durkin era, announcing the loss of forward Kyah Simon, will miss the entire 2014 season after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Simon fell awkwardly on her right knee just moments after entering Sunday's friendly against the U.S. Women's National Team; scans later revealed a torn ACL, sidelining the Australian International until October 2014.
Simon contributed three goals and three assists last season, appearing in 17 matches before joining the Western Sydney Wanderers on off-season loan.
"It's obviously a disappointing setback," Simon said on Tuesday. "I'm grateful to have such an experienced support staff around me to already have my rehab and recovery process underway, and I look forward to coming back stronger than before."
On Thursday, the Breakers acquired forward Courtney Jones, who scored four goals and contributed one assist for FC Kansas City last season. Simon's 2014 absence now places additional pressure on Jones, who will seemingly fulfill the third striker role behind fellow frontrunners Sydney Leroux and Lianne Sanderson.
"We are very sad to have this happen to Kyah," Boston Breakers general manager Lee Billiard said. "I know Kyah is an ultimate professional who will work to get herself back playing again as quickly and safely as she can. She is in great hands, and we will be supporting her however we can as she works for what we hope will be a quick and full recovery."
Stay tuned for trade and injury analysis as the Breakers' off-season pushes onward.