How OS Sports Medicine Saved a Budding Soccer Career

Phillip Falcon is a star goalkeeper on Tampa Bay United U19 MLS NEXT and Jesuit High School’s soccer team – with big aspirations. The senior has been accepted to the University of Pennsylvania’s soccer team in fall 2023. He got there with raw talent, persistence, a supportive family, and help from Dr. Scott Brotherton.

“Last spring, during training, it was a normal day,” Phillip explains. “I dove after the ball and immediately knew something was wrong with my left shoulder. I tried to play through it and tough it out, but the next day I felt a sharp, radiating pain in that shoulder.”

The soccer team’s physical therapist recommended an evaluation by Dr. Scott Brotherton, who is fellowship-trained in sports medicine and is a team doctor at two area high schools.

“Working at a hospital, I made sure to do deep research,” says Phillip’s mom, Patricia. “Everyone said Dr. Brotherton is the one I wanted.”

Dr. Brotherton diagnosed a torn labrum and scheduled reattachment surgery, but first, Phillip had to play in an MLS NEXT tournament that would decide his future: dozens of college soccer scouts would be attending.  Dr. Brotherton gave Phillip a cortisone shot to control the pain and swelling, and Phillip played brilliantly. He was recruited by Penn.

“Dr. Brotherton is very good at understanding athletes and takes a long-term view that I really appreciate,” says Patricia Falcon. “He was willing to do what it took to get Phillip through the tournament, knowing the shot wouldn’t do any further harm.”

It has taken Phillip three-and-a-half months of recovery and a specific physical therapy regimen to get back to full-time practice. He is pain-free and, at this writing, is about to resume play.

“He has to dive on his shoulder and extend it all the time,” Patricia says. “To be able do that without pain is huge.” She appreciates the care and attention of the entire Orthopedic Specialists team and the fact that Dr. Brotherton, himself, sees her son at every appointment. 

Fortunately, Phillip’s college coach has been supportive of the surgery, and Phillip is excited about pursuing his dream of playing college soccer, thanks to Dr. Brotherton.

Says Phillip:  “He was one of the most essential steps in my going to college. All the work I put in for so long – I wasn’t sure if it was worth it after the injury. After the cortisone shot and the surgery, I can confidently say he put me on the right path for my future.”

Learn more about our sports medicine and youth sports injury care here.