Analysis of Injury Epidemiology in Soccer Players in the 2019 Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football Gold Cup as Reported by Team Physicians

Purpose: To describe and characterize injuries reported in professional soccer athletes participating in the 2019 Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Gold Cup tournament. Methods: Data were collected from electronic medical reports submitted after each match of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament. Reports were generated from a 20-question online survey completed by team physicians from all 16 participating teams. For every recorded injury, a separate survey was completed by team physicians documenting athlete demographic characteristics, context of injury, injury characteristics, and expected time lost from injury. Results: A total of 62 surveys were distributed, of which 80% (50 of 62) were collected for analysis. A total of 27 injuries (7%) were recorded among the 368 participating athletes. Injuries most frequently occurred during matches (92%, 24 of 27), with a significantly higher number of injuries recorded between the 61st and 75th minutes of play (P < .05). New injuries constituted 85% of all injuries (23 of 27), whereas 15% of injuries (4 of 27) were recorded as recurrences of prior injuries. Defenders had the highest number of injuries (41%, 11 of 27). Injuries to the lower extremities comprised 52% of all injuries (14 of 27), with thigh strains being the most common. Conclusions: During the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, injuries were recorded in 7% of athletes (27 of 368), with 89% of injuries recorded as occurring during match play, primarily consisting of injuries involving strains to the thigh. Clinical Relevance: Understanding the epidemiology of soccer (football) injuries can help physicians better educate athletes including their patients.