Brazilian and San Diego Wave forward Dudinha injured her right ACL and meniscus, the 20-year-old announced Wednesday via Instagram.Dudinha sustained the injuries during an extraordinarily physical international friendly against the U.S. women’s national team Tuesday night at the Arena Castelão in northeastern Brazil. The USWNT won 1-0, though the victory was overshadowed by the eight red cards issued to Brazilian players and coaching staff during and after the match.“Unfortunately, I’ll be off the pitch for a while in recovery, a time always of many difficulties and challenges for every athlete,” Dudinha wrote in her Instagram post. “After yesterday’s game, tests indicated ACL and meniscus injuries. Despite the great sadness I feel and that I am still understanding everything that is happening, I continue to believe in God’s plan with even more faith!”Around the 30th minute, Dudinha collided with U.S. center back Emily Sonnett at midfield and fell to the ground, clutching her leg in pain. After receiving treatment from Brazil’s training staff, Dudinha left the pitch on a stretcher. Former Kansas City Current forward Bia Zaneratto, who now plays for Brazilian side Palmeiras, took her place. Zaneratto later picked up two yellow cards and was sent off; her second yellow came after she pushed Sonnett in the shoulder late in the game.
Brazil’s Dudinha injured ACL, meniscus in physical 1-0 loss to U.S.
Dudinha's injury is a massive blow to Brazil and the San Diego Wave, who are atop the National Women’s Soccer League table.










