ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Pride defender Rafaelle sustained a partial tear in the quadriceps tendon of her right leg and has been placed on the season-ending injury list, the National Women's Soccer League team announced Tuesday.

That means she will miss the postseason. The No. 1-seeded Pride open play in the NWSL playoff quarterfinals against the eighth-seeded Chicago Red Stars at 8 p.m. Friday at Inter&Co Stadium in Atlanta.

Rafaelle has started in six matches and appeared in nine this season. The Pride won every match in which Rafaelle started and also earned two clean sheets.

Since joining the Pride, the Brazilian international has appeared in 16 matches and scored a goal in her Pride debut during the 2023 season.

“We are disappointed to lose Rafa for the remainder of the season. She has played an important role in our backline when she has been available, and we are already providing the support she needs to make her return to the pitch,” Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter said. “We are behind Rafa and will continue to support her with the resources she needs to make an impact for us in 2025.” 

Rafaelle, 33, previously played for English powerhouse Arsenal. She also has been on Brazilian Women's World Cup rosters in 2015 and 2023 and two Olympic rosters in 2016 and 2020. Her professional career began in 2014 with the NWSL's Houston Dash.

She remains under contract with the Pride for the 2025 season.