Sydney FC may have won 3-0 over Western Sydney Wanderers in the Westfield W-League on Thursday night, but it wasn’t without loss as Taylor Ray appeared to sustain a serious knee injury midway through the first half.
As the 17-year-old tussled for the ball, her left foot seemed to dig into the turf, twisting her left knee in a fashion that may suggest an injury to her Anterior Cruciate Ligament or Medial Collateral Ligament.
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Amy Harrison, having experienced her own battles over the past two seasons with a similar injury, was visibly affected by her teammates potential setback.
“It hit me hard. I saw it happen and I knew straight away, I think she knew,” said Harrison.
“She just screamed ‘Amy’ a fair few times, it broke my heart to see her go down again — that’s her second if it’s confirmed, we don’t know.
“Usually when you’ve done it once, you know.”
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While it is never pleasant to see players sustain serious injuries, Ray’s case is particularly concerning considering her performances in the latter half of the 2018/19 Season.
The youngster played 68 minutes in Sydney FC’s 3-1 win over Newcastle Jets in Round 10, and started once more in one of her side’s biggest fixtures of the campaign.
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Now, with what appears to be a long road ahead, teammate Harrison offered support and guidance for Ray.
“It’s tough, I know what’s going through her head — to be honest I was pretty rattled,” said Harrison.
“It’s tough, you don’t want to see anyone go through it, especially Tay, she was coming along leaps and bounds but she’s a strong girl.
“She’ll come back hard, she’ll come back stronger and we’ll all be here for her.”
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Ray’s injury aside, Sydney FC are finding some form at just the right time as we near the Westfield W-League 2019 Finals Series.
Ante Juric and Anthony Harb have assembled a squad with depth all across the park, bolstered by a combination of Westfield Matildas and high-quality imports.
With three games remaining, and the last two against both Melbourne sides, Sydney FC will need all hands on deck — and a gritty attitude — if they are to hang onto their top-four position.
