The Traveler

Issue date: 10/10/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Chris Bryan Freshman midfielder Kelly O'Connor underwent surgery on a torn ACL Tuesday morning and will miss the remainder of the season.

Arkansas soccer head coach Gordon Henderson announced on Tuesday that freshmen Kelly O'Connor and Beth McVean will miss the remainder of the season.

O'Connor underwent surgery Tuesday morning on a torn ACL while McVean will miss the year with mono and will be non-contact for six weeks due to potential damage to her spleen, Henderson said.

O'Connor has been a spark on the offensive side of the ball, as she has scored six goals and had three assists in 12 starts for the Lady Razorbacks. O'Connor is currently in a tie with Lindsay Patterson for most goals for the team.

McVean helped the Lady'Backs by coming off the bench in 11 games and had two shots on goal on four shot attempts.

The injuries are significant, but the forward play has been good so far this year and Henderson hopes to see the emergence of players to take over at forward, he said.

"I think you'll see the emergence of Kat Moffett and Ally Atkins just because they are two players that play the front line naturally," Henderson said. "We think that Allison Harris and Ali Harter would do well. We also think that [Harris] and Rachel Carlson play well together, so that is not something we necessarily want to change. The question is if we will need Carlson to play on the flank."

Because of the injuries, training sessions this week will focus on the replacement of a top goal scorer on the team, Henderson said.

"These injuries have by no means brought the sprits of the team down," Henderson said. "There is a confidence in this team right now that is the best I've seen in my four years here."

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