Ray injury comes as Sydney mount Finals challenge

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.” 

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.”

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.