Like most sports, soccer poses some risks. But according to a recent article, the level of risk may be relatively small.

Two hundred thirty-seven athletes participated in the first season of US Major League Soccer. They had roughly six injuries for every 1,000 hours of playing time. Most injuries involved the knee or ankle. Injuries were 12 times more common during games as they were during practice.

Notably, however, one-third of the injuries didn't result in any loss of playing time. Of the remaining 256 injuries, most (59 percent) put players out for less than a week. Only 13 percent were major injuries that kept players off the field for more than one month.

Obviously, soccer does cause injuries. But according to these figures, pro soccer players aren't likely to be kept out of the game for long.