The Football Ferns may have broken their 2022 drought against Mexico, but any celebrations were decidedly muted, as news emerged of star midfielder Annalie Longo's serious knee injury.
Longo tore both her MCL and ACL during the 1-0 win at Los Angeles, and has immediately returned to New Zealand to begin what shapes as a long and arduous rehabilitation.
Depending on the severity of the tear, Longo's injuries will put her out of action for at least nine months, meaning her chances of spearheading the Ferns attack at next year's FIFA Women's World Cup on home soil - beginning in July - appear slim.
The pain is written all over coach Jitka Klimkova's face, while discussing the heavy cloud Longo's loss had left over her squad, as they prepare to face the Philippines in their final match of the September international window on Wednesday (NZ time).
The 31-year-old Aucklander only returned to the national side in June, after a long absence and had planned to return to A-League Women as part of her build-up to the Cup.
"It's disappointment," said Klimkova. "It's disappointment for her, it's disappointment for us.
"We can't really control this situation. I think we now need to focus on how quickly she can get surgery and how much we can help her be back on the field as soon as possible."
With Ria Percival also sidelined long-term by a serious knee injury suffered against Australia in April, Klimkova's midfield ranks are now significantly depleted.
The pair account for a combined 288 games of international experience, which would be priceless come next year's World Cup.
"It is sad, football can be very brutal," Klimkova added. "It's a sad situation in their football career, but we know that their careers are not over.
"They have to focus now on things that are important for them."
Klimkova highlights a slim silver lining offered by Longo's absence, which allows her more chances to blood her younger players and test them in elite international football, before next year's pinnacle event.
One such player is Aniela Jansen, who starred for New Zealand during the U20 World Cup. She's flown in to join the Ferns from her college base in nearby northern California and will form part of a rejigged midfield against the Filipinas.
"Younger players can get more opportunities now to play the games and that's how I see it," said Klimkova.
"Our focus now is preparing for the Philippines. We have players who are ready to compete and that's the positive side of this news that we got from this tour."
The New Zealanders will be favoured to beat the Philippines, ranked 30 spots below them at No.53 in the world standings, which would give them their first consecutive wins since 2018.
After Wednesday's match, the next assignment for the Football Ferns will come in Japan on October 20, where they'll face the hosts at Nagano.
