The FFA has confirmed that Matildas and Canberra United goalkeeper Lydia Williams has injured her anterior cruciate ligament for the second time.

Williams, who was playing for the Western New York Flash in the American NWSL, landed awkwardly after claiming a corner in the 13th minute of the Flash's fixture with Lisa De Vanna's Washington Spirit.

Less than a minute after the incident, the 26 year old was substituted with word quickly spreading that the goalkeeper had re-injured her left knee (ACL and meniscus); the same knee that required reconstruction in 2012.

“As soon as I did it I knew I had injured my ACL and it was pretty devastating. I knew the feeling and I was pretty sure that I had done it again and immediately started thinking about how I could get back onto the field in time for the World Cup,” Williams said.

“I spoke to Kate Beerworth (Westfield Matildas physiotherapist) and James Ilic (Westfield Matildas Doctor) as well as Canberra United medical staff to start planning the operation, rehab and recovery.

While it causes some unexpected problems for the 2013/14 Premiers, it’s a bigger setback for Williams who looked to have locked down the no. 1 jersey during the 2014 Asian Cup.

The first step is surgery with the custodian flying straight from New York to Adelaide (where the Matildas' medical staff are situated) for reconstructive surgery later this week.

Considering the time sensitivities, the most likely procedure is a patellar tendon graft which is considered one of the strongest ACL grafts as it holds well in its location and usually heals quickly.

The FFA also announced that is implementing a preventative program following research into the number of ACL injuries across women’s sport.

“FFA has undertaken research into the prevalence of ACL injuries among elite female football players and the impact it is having on the players and development of the Matildas and women’s football,” said FFA Head of Medical Services, Jeff Steinweg.

“FFA has also developed standardised screening processes for all National Team and W-League players and is planning an on-line resource as part of a strategy to protect the players from future ACL injuries at all levels of the game.”

Head physiotherapist Kate Beersworth is set to play crucial role in its implementation.

"Kate Beerworth has worked on identifying risk factors for ACL injuries and in particular for female athletes and identified preventative programs that have proven to be effective," continued Steinweg.

“Kate has developed a specific injury prevention program for warm up after reviewing existing successful ACL prevention programs around the world and held education seminars for coaches and trainers at the 2014 women’s NTC Championships."

11 months out from the 2015 Women's World Cup, and 9 months out from selection deadlines, Williams is now in a race against time to be fit and available.