Sky Blue FC Defender Mandy Freeman Makes First Start Following Achilles Injury in 2019
Sky Blue FC defender Mandy Freeman returned to the pitch for the first time in over two years in the Club’s NWSL Fall Series opening match. Before starting at center back against the Washington Spirit on Saturday, September 5, 2020, Freeman last appeared for Sky Blue on September 4, 2018. Freeman missed the 2019 season after suffering a complete achilles tendon tear in the right ankle during March 2019.
After reconstructive surgery and a year-long recovery process, Freeman found herself back in the starting lineup in Sky Blue FC’s 2-1 win over the Spirit.
“Going into the season, I was really psyched, I felt super prepared, I was fit, and I did everything I was supposed to in the offseason with physical therapy,” said Freeman. “I was trying to remain calm and keep a level head since it has been so long. I know everybody was super excited for me to be back, but I did not want that excitement to make me super nervous. I tried just to remain calm and focus.”
The former University of Southern California standout was entering her third professional season when she sustained a torn achilles during preseason training in 2019. Before her injury, Freeman started in 21 matches for Sky Blue FC in 2018, tallying 65 clearances and 40 interceptions.
“In that whole initial recovery period, it was the longest that I had ever not played soccer in my life,” said Freeman. “This was my most serious injury, so that was a big adjustment to have to make to go from playing nonstop all the time to now having my role as a player change so drastically.”
Freeman was thankful for the Club’s unwavering support, especially during the weeks after sustaining the injury.
“The staff, all of the physical therapists, the coaches, and my teammates were fantastic and encouraging the entire time.”
The Florida native spent the last year and a half rehabilitating and regaining mental and physical fitness at home in New Jersey. Freeman’s re-entry into full-contact training ended abruptly when the NWSL delayed the 2020 season due to COVID-19. Despite another shortened preseason, she remained optimistic during the Club’s hiatus from team training.
“I just tried to keep a positive attitude the whole time and focus on my individual goals,” said Freeman. I wanted to make sure that I was prepared and healthy to meet the challenge when my time did come.”
After missing play during the NWSL Challenge Cup in Utah, Freeman finally took to the field in the NWSL Fall Series opening match. She immediately impacted her first game back, anchoring a defensive line that only gave up one goal, off a penalty kick.
Freeman and Sky Blue FC take on the Chicago Red Stars this Sunday, September 20, at 1 p.m. ET. The rematch of the NWSL Challenge Cup Semifinal will air on CBS All Access.