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The NC Courage will go into the 2018 season without midfielder Makenzy Doniak. The team reported that the forward has sustained a torn ACL and will be out for the entire year. Doniak will undergo surgery and be placed on IR according to a statement released by the team. The forward was an integral part of the NWSL Shield winning NC Courage in 2017 making several starts or coming in as a sub off the bench. In addition, she started at striker for the W-League side Adelaide United, scoring seven goals in 12 games.
[NEWS] Makenzy Doniak Suffers Season-Ending Injury
— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) February 23, 2018
Get well soon, @makenzy_allyson. #CourageCountry has your back.
Read | https://t.co/77HAp8gTmb pic.twitter.com/xEBTVFuhTr
Coach Paul Riley took to Twitter to encourage the player to acknowledge her importance to the team and encourage Doniak while she recovers.
CourageCountry: unfortunate injury news. Mackenzie Doniak tore her ACL during first day of pre season.We want 2 wish Mac a quick &full recovery. She has been a massive part of our club last few years & we will be with her every step of her recovery. ❤️ #grittoday#growthtomorrow
— Paul Riley (@prileyfury4life) February 23, 2018
The injury to Doniak may allow more playing time for Kristen Hamilton, Denise O’Sullivan, and Darian Jenkins. The later missed all of 2017 with a broken fibula and will be looking to make an impact on the roster in 2018.