After what has been a disappointing start to his professional career, Steven Beattie has returned back to Northern Kentucky University to finish up his degree.

When Beattie was drafted in the Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft by Toronto Football Club, he began training with the club, but was not offered a full-time contract due to the restrictions the MLS puts on international players. Toronto, however, still holds the rights to Beattie, and can sign him to a contract at anytime.

But Beattie was not without a team for long. He was invited to the preseason training camp of the Puerto Rico Islanders. Puerto Rico signed Beattie to a full-time contract on March 22. The team competes in the North American Soccer League on the tier two level.

Beattie, however, suffered another setback only three days after he signed his contract, and 20 minutes into his debut with the Islanders. Beattie tore his ACL, a serious knee injury that will require surgery and end his season. It takes on average four to six months to recover from a torn ACL, according to WebMD. Beattie said he plans to return to Ireland for his surgery.

Beattie was a four-year starter for the NKU men’s soccer team, and a two-time NSCAA Player of the Year. In his senior season, Beattie led NKU to their first men’s NCAA Championship in the university’s history.

Story by Nick Jones