The St. Louis Ambush don’t kick off their 2018-19 season until December but for one player, his season is over before it began. Midfielder Ross MacGregor suffered multiple injuries to his right knee while participating in the International Futsal Showcase, a charity game, on August 4.
After visits to the doctor earlier this week and an MRI on Wednesday, it was determined that MacGregor’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has a complete tear, his medial collateral ligament (MCL) has a partial tear and he has minor damage to the lateral meniscus. He is facing six weeks of intensive physical therapy to help the MCL heal, followed by surgery to repair the ACL on September 19. He will miss the entire 2018-19 season. “I really did a number on it,” he said.
MacGregor hails from Brayton, England in the United Kingdom. He played for the Illinois Piasa (PASL) during the 2013-14 season before joining the Ambush for the 2014-15 campaign.
The unfortunate turn of events comes on the heels of a 2017-18 season that sawMacGregor’s playing time limited to only two games due to a foot injury. He was looking forward to coming back strong for the 2018-19 season, but now those plans are on hold. MacGregor said he is focused on getting through the surgery and long recovery process and is ready to do whatever work is necessary to come back strong and healthy for the 2019-20 season. If attitude helps the healing process, Ross MacGregor is off to a good start. MacGregor also said that he is overwhelmed by the support and encouragement he has received from fans since word of the injury spread. He said, “The amount of support and well wishes I have received from both Ambush fans and fans from around the country and league has been incredible. I’m truly at a loss for words and plan on working hard to return to the field as soon as possible to repay their support.”
Ambush CEO Shelly Clark said MacGregor will still play a role with the team next season. “While we are disappointed that Ross won’t be with us on the field, he’s still a part of this team and a part of the Ambush family. Similar to last season when he was injured, I expect he will continue to contribute and build the team up from within,” Clark said.
Ambush Head Coach Hewerton also expressed sadness over the loss of a respected veteran player. “I feel extremely sad for Ross’s injury. He is an amazing player, person and will be missed on the field. However, we’ll be utilizing his fantastic character and experience off the field in order to help us to grow as a team. I am very positive that his recovery will be quick and he’ll comeback even stronger,” Hewerton said.
The Ambush open their 2018-19 home schedule on Sunday, December 16 at 3:05 p.m. The 2018-19 season will be the sixth for the franchise. The upcoming season will consist of 24 games, with all 12 home games being played at the Family Arena in St. Charles. Season tickets are now on sale and start as low as $150 for all 12 home games. Prior to the start of the regular season, the Ambush will hold their annual Fan Fest on Sunday, November 18 at the Family Arena, headlined by a free exhibition game.
