Angel City Announces Torn ACL for Jun Endō: Japanese Star’s Season Ends

FolioPitch.com – 01 August 2026 | Angel City announces torn ACL for Jun Endō, confirming the worst fears for the club and the Japanese international after she was forced off early in a recent match. The midfielder, who has been a cornerstone for Angel City since 2022, now faces an extended recovery period after the club officially placed her on the National Women’s Soccer League’s Season-Ending Injury List.

Endō was substituted off in the 36th minute of Angel City’s victory against the San Diego Wave on July 11, immediately raising concerns about a serious injury. She was replaced by Taylor Suarez, and the club initially described the issue as a knee problem. Almost three weeks later, those concerns have been confirmed as a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

The announcement came through a club press release on Friday, with Angel City’s Director of Medical Hollie Walusz expressing both sadness and commitment to Endō’s recovery. “This is not the news you ever want to receive about an athlete, especially someone who has worked so incredibly hard to get back on the field doing what she loves,” Walusz said. “Jun means so much to our team and our organization. We are committed to supporting her throughout her recovery and will be with her every step of the way.”

For Endō, this injury is painfully familiar. She suffered a torn ACL in February 2024 during preseason training, an injury that sidelined her for the majority of that campaign. She worked diligently to return to form, and this season she had been an integral part of Angel City’s midfield. However, the latest setback means another long road to recovery. The news that Angel City announces torn ACL for Jun Endō underscores the recurring nature of such injuries in women’s soccer, where the physical demands are immense.

Since joining Angel City in 2022, Endō has been a consistent and dynamic presence. She has made 44 starts in 58 regular-season appearances, contributing four goals and six assists. Her ability to link play, press opponents, and create chances made her a trusted figure in the squad. Her absence will be deeply felt as Angel City pushes toward the latter stages of the NWSL season.

Beyond her club career, Endō has been a vital player for the Japan women’s national team. She has earned 42 caps and scored five goals, representing her country in international competitions. Her international experience and technical skill have made her a role model for aspiring players in Japan and around the world. This injury will also mean she misses upcoming international fixtures, adding another layer of disappointment.

Endō is currently under contract with Angel City through the 2027 NWSL season, which provides some stability during her rehabilitation. The club has a strong medical and performance staff, and Walusz’s comments indicate that the organization will do everything possible to support her return. Typically, a torn ACL requires nine to twelve months of recovery, meaning Endō could miss the remainder of the 2026 season and potentially part of the 2027 campaign, depending on the exact extent of the damage and the surgical outcome.

As Angel City announces torn ACL for Jun Endō, the club must now adjust its plans. The midfield will need other players to step up, and the coaching staff will likely explore lineup changes and potential tactical shifts. The club has depth, but losing a player of Endō’s caliber is never easy. Fans and teammates have already taken to social media to express their support, and the #JunStrong has begun trending among Angel City supporters.

This injury also highlights the broader issue of ACL injuries in women’s sports, which have been alarmingly prevalent in recent years. Many experts point to factors such as load management, pitch surfaces, and the increasing intensity of the game. While the club did not speculate on the cause of Endō’s injury, the news serves as a reminder of the physical toll that professional athletes endure.

For Endō, the focus now shifts to surgery, rehabilitation, and the long journey back. Her resilience in overcoming her previous ACL injury suggests she has the mental strength to tackle this challenge. As she begins her recovery, the soccer community will be watching and hoping for a full recovery. Angel City’s announcement is a sobering moment, but it also brings clarity and a path forward. The club, her teammates, and her fans will all be behind her, eager to see her back on the pitch.

The road ahead will be demanding, but if history is any guide, Jun Endō will approach it with determination. As the news settles, one thing is certain: Angel City will miss her presence, but they are committed to ensuring she returns stronger than ever.