U.S. women’s national team veteran Michelle Akers underwent successful surgery on April 5 in Orlando, Fla., as team physician Dr. Rob Palumbo repaired damage from a dislocation to her right shoulder on Feb. 27. Akers suffered a “SLAP lesion” when she fell after colliding with a goalkeeper during a training match, meaning that the biceps anchor of her right shoulder was pulled off the insertion point. Palumbo performed the arthroscopic surgery that re-attached the biceps anchor and performed a capsular shrinkage to reduce the laxity in the shoulder joint. “The procedure went very well and there were no complications,” said Palumbo. “She needs to rest and protect her shoulder for three to four weeks and then she’ll begin a progressive rehabilitation program. We expect her to be back training no later than July. When she woke up, the first thing she asked me was whether she could ride her horse. I told her that would have to wait.” Akers, 34, will miss the U.S. friendly with Iceland on April 8 in Charlotte, N.C. The national team star has come back from a dozen knee surgeries, an orbital fracture that required surgery, numerous knocks to the head and her share of stitches as well as her much chronicled battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Her shoulder surgery was filmed by Discovery Health Channel’s “The FITeam Power Hour,” a series that offers an inside look at how athletes achieve mental and physical fitness, and gives practical information for anyone seeking a vigorous, balanced lifestyle. The series, expected to premiere in September, will feature Akers’ comeback from what should be her final surgery and her commitment to getting into shape for a run at her final Olympics.