“In terms of injuries, right now it’s not been a good situation,” these words from head coach Jonatan Giraldez pretty much sum up Washington Spirit’s circumstances this season. Month after month, we have heard most of its star players end up in the recuperation room with Croix Bethune being one of them. Even though the attacking midfielder must be disheartened over making it on the season-ending injury list, Bethune revealed in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports that she’s ‘making progress each day.’

Then again, with positivity, deep down remains a pang of guilt to have sustained such a huge blow, especially when you’re riding high in your career. “Yeah, to hear the injury, it sucked,” began Croix Bethune during a talk with EssentiallySports. “If you know my history, like, it’s not the first time I’ve had a serious injury. But yeah, to hear this one, it just kind of sucked because I’ve been on a roll with my rookie career.”

Well if you look at the numbers, it is surely a rookie season for the 2001-born midfielder. Before sustaining the blow, the Alpharetta, Georgia native was able to make 17 appearances for the Spirits, while also notching 5 goals and 10 assists during the process. In fact, Bethune’s ten assists tie the all-time NWSL single-season record, having achieved this feat in just 12 matches while also matching Tobin Heath’s record set in 2016.

However, the unlucky part is her torn meniscus injury came just around the beginning of September that too, not while in action, but while being away from training. This only forces her to do nothing but cheer for her side ahead of the NWSL playoffs, something which Bethune was hoping to be a part of. “I was excited to start the second part of the season,” she continued, her optimism shining through as hope springs eternal.

“But honestly, I’ve just been looking at the bright side of things. Everything happens for a reason. So yeah, just kind of getting over that hump, and recovery is going great. It’s honestly going great. I’ve been taking it day by day, hitting milestones, making progress each day, so I can’t complain,” concluded Croix Bethune.

Looks like the 23-year-old midfielder is enjoying her road to recovery thanks to a remarkable approach and positive outlook on her injury. Perhaps her other teammates with whom she is sharing the recuperation room can also use this approach. Speaking of which, what’s the current status of other injured stars?

A bittersweet news regarding Croix Bethune’s fellow Washington Spirit teammates!

More recently, midfielder Andi Sullivan was added to the season-ending injury list. This unfortunate turn of events occurred during Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Orlando Pride, which crowned Marta and her team as NWSL Shield champions. As the final whistle neared, Sullivan suffered a torn ACL in the 90+2 minute and had to be carried off the field.

Additionally, Sunday’s defeat against Orlando saw forward Trinity Rodman sidelined due to back issues, along with defender Casey Krueger (hip), forward Chloe Ricketts (knee), midfielder Leicy Santos (thigh), and forward Ouleymata Sarr (back). Then again, Jonatan Giraldez was grateful enough to provide the fans with a crucial update regarding these injured stars.

“I can tell you that Casey, Trin, Chloe, they are in a good shape,” said the Spanish tactician while addressing the press. While Giráldez didn’t mention Croix Bethune by name, the recent revelation from the USWNT midfielder to EssentiallySports certainly clears the air. Even if it’s unfortunate she won’t be part of the team for the crucial playoffs, Bethune is now focused on the next step in her career.