Wisconsin Soccer Central

The Toppserien, the top league of women's soccer in Norway, kicks off next weekend.

But Shannon Smyth (Mequon/Milwaukee DSHA) will have to wait a few more weeks for her season to start.

Smyth is out of action after breaking the fifth metatarsal in her foot during a preseason friendly on March 21 against fellow Toppserien side Medkila in La Manga, Spain, she confirmed via Twitter message Friday.

The 25-year-old Smyth wrote that the injury – the first broken bone that she's ever suffered – is expected to keep her out for four to six more weeks, meaning she'll likely miss at least the first five matches of the league season.

Smyth, a regular with the Republic of Ireland national team, tied for third on the team with three goals in 21 league matches (20 starts) last season as Amazon Grimstad (5-12-5) finished 10th in the 12-team Toppserien – they ended up five points ahead of relegated Kattem – and has 10 goals in 43 appearances over her two seasons with the club.

Coincidentally, Amazon Grimstad opens the season next Saturday at home against newly promoted Medkila, whose roster includes Rosie Malone-Povolny (Marquette) andKeara Thompson (UW-Milwaukee).