SANTA CLARA, CA (MAY 27, 2009)- FC Gold Pride confirmed today that defender Kandace Wilson will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2009 season with a hip injury sustained in Sunday's match against the Los Angeles Sol. 

In a game that saw Wilson play an integral role in shutting down the lethal attack of Marta and the LA Sol, the speedy defender went down in the 90th minute of play while defending the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year.  Wilson was aggressively pushed off the ball and fell to the ground suffering a sublimation (partial separation) of her left hip and fracturing the left posterior aspect of the acetabulum (hip socket).

Silicon Valley Sports Medicine Doctor Tiffany Gorman has been leading the assessment and diagnosis of Wilson's injury with the help of Santa Clara Urgent Care.

"It is heartbreaking to have Kandace suffer this unusual, season-ending injury when she was obviously coming into her full potential with the team," said Dr. Gorman.  "We are happy with the imaging results that show the fracture was minimally displaced and most likely will not require surgery.  We're looking forward to seeing Kandace rejoin the team the team while she recovers and rehabs, and we are optimistic she will make a full recovery for next season. "

Wilson, recognized around the WPS for her unstoppable speed and cunning defensive skills will be missed on the field.  She has appeared in all eight of the Pride's matches so far this season, seeing 555 minutes of playing time.  Fans would often see the speedy outside back streaking up the sideline to spark an attack.  Wilson leads the Pride offense in crosses with 13 and has one assist.  Although no official stats are kept for stops in the back, her contributions to the defensive line were immeasurable. 

"This is devastating for our team, only eight games into the season Kandace Wilson is arguably one of the best outside right backs in the league," said FC Gold Pride Head Coach Albertin Montoya.  "Every team that has played us has had to adjust their game because of her speed and athleticism, no other back is as dangerous as she is.  We won't be able to replace her but we're going to have to move forward from here on.   We look forward to seeing her back on the field in the 2010 season."

Wilson is currently at home in Southern California with her family.  She will return to the Bay Area and rejoin the Pride next week.  An early estimate of Wilson's recovery time has been set at approximately eight to twelve weeks which will take her beyond the end of the 2009 WPS Season. Fans can still look forward to seeing Wilson at Buck Shaw Stadium with the Pride and will see her back in action in 2010.

The Pride will attempt to carry on without the help of Wilson as the team travels to the Maryland Soccerplex to take on the Washington Freedom this Sunday, May 31 at 1 p.m. PT. Fans can follow the Pride on WPS Match Tracker and Twitter.