BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham Legion FC announced on Thursday midfielder Matthew Corcoran had undergone successful surgery to repair a torn labrum.

Corcoran is expected to make a full recovery. No timeframe has been placed upon his return, but he will immediately go into rehabilitation with UAB Sports Medicine. 

The 18-year-old earned the call-up to the USYNT for the 2023 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in November. The young midfielder had a breakout season in 2023 playing in 31 games, serving as a key member in the midfield. He recorded one goal and three assists for Legion during the 2023 USL Championship season, helping the side reach the postseason.

Analysis

After the successes Matthew Corcoran achieved last year, this is massively disappointing news for a player whose ascent pulled him into the national spotlight last November at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The composure and growth the 18-year-old displayed in first earning a place in the World Cup squad and then in his play in Indonesia had him poised for an even bigger campaign this year, one which now will be deferred.

For Legion, it leaves a challenge of filling Corcoran’s central midfield spot. With Mikey Lopez previously sidelined in preseason with a ruptured Achilles’ tendon, new addition Kobe Hernandez-Foster has stepped into the lineup over the first two games of the season. Birmingham will hope he can step up to the mark to help keep the side’s postseason aspirations on track.