Why Cutting Sports Like Soccer and Lacrosse See More ACL Tears

A guide with Dr. Terrell Joseph, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery

Cutting sports demand speed, agility, and rapid changes in direction. While that makes soccer and lacrosse exciting to watch and play, it also explains why ACL tears in soccer and ACL tears in lacrosse are so common.

Dr. Joseph has patients ask in his clinic why non contact ACL injuries happen so frequently in these sports? The answer lies in biomechanics, field conditions, and the high intensity nature of cutting and pivoting.

Dr. Terrell Joseph, board certified orthopaedic surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, explains why cutting sports place unique stress on the knee and how athletes can reduce their risk.

Quick Overview: Why Cutting Sports Lead to More ACL Injuries

• Soccer and lacrosse require sudden deceleration and change of direction

• Most ACL tears in soccer and lacrosse are non contact ACL injuries

• Cleats and turf can increase rotational force on the knee

• Fatigue reduces neuromuscular control and knee stability

• Prevention programs can significantly lower ACL tear risk

The Biomechanics of Cutting and Pivoting

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) stabilizes the knee during rotation and forward movement of the tibia. In cutting sports, athletes frequently:

• Sprint at full speed

• Plant one foot abruptly

• Rotate the torso in the opposite direction

• Push off into a new direction

This rapid sequence creates a powerful rotational force across the knee. If the quadriceps fire aggressively while the knee is near full extension and the body weight shifts inward, the ACL absorbs that stress.

Dr. Joseph explains, “Most ACL tears in soccer and lacrosse are not from contact with another player. They happen during a split second movement when the knee collapses inward while the athlete is trying to cut or pivot.”

That inward collapse, often called dynamic valgus, is a primary driver of non contact ACL injuries.

Why Soccer and Lacrosse Stand Out

Many sports involve running. Fewer sports involve constant multi directional sprinting while tracking a ball or opponent.

Soccer

Soccer players may change direction dozens of times in a single half. They often cut while:

• Receiving a pass

• Defending an opponent

• Shooting off one leg

• Landing from a header

The combination of cleats gripping turf and rotational torque increases ACL strain. ACL tears in soccer are particularly common in female athletes due to anatomical and neuromuscular factors that affect knee alignment and landing mechanics.

Lacrosse

Lacrosse players perform explosive lateral cuts while cradling and scanning the field. Because they are often focused on stick control or avoiding defenders, they may not fully control their lower body alignment.

ACL tears in lacrosse frequently occur during:

• Sudden dodges

• Defensive slides

• Fast breaks

• Awkward landings after contact

Dr. Joseph notes, “In both soccer and lacrosse, the knee is loaded in rotation at high speed. When fatigue sets in, mechanics break down, and that is often when the ACL fails.”

The Role of Fatigue and Field Conditions

As games progress, athletes lose neuromuscular control. The muscles that stabilize the knee, particularly the hamstrings and glutes, may not fire efficiently.

When that support system weakens:

• The knee drifts inward

• The athlete lands more upright

• Reaction time slows

Artificial turf and firm natural grass can also increase friction between cleats and the ground. When the foot sticks but the body rotates, the ACL becomes the weak link.

This explains why so many ACL tears in soccer and ACL tears in lacrosse happen without direct contact.

Can ACL Tears in Cutting Sports Be Prevented?

The encouraging news is that structured prevention programs significantly reduce non contact ACL injuries.

Effective ACL injury prevention includes:

• Neuromuscular training programs

• Plyometric landing drills

• Hamstring strengthening

• Glute and hip stabilization

• Core control exercises

• Coaching on safe cutting mechanics

Dr. Joseph emphasizes, “Prevention training works, but it has to be consistent. Fifteen minutes before practice, two to three times per week, can meaningfully reduce ACL tear risk.”

About Dr. Terrell Joseph

Dr. Terrell Joseph is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery specializing in knee, shoulder, and upper extremity care for active individuals. With clinics in Vail, Frisco, and Edwards, he treats athletes of all levels, helping them recover from ACL injuries and return confidently to the sports they love.

If you have concerns about knee stability, ACL tears in soccer, ACL tears in lacrosse, or non contact ACL injuries, schedule an evaluation today.