Orlando Pride: Luana & Charley Removed from Injury List
Orlando Pride Welcomes Back Luana and Simone Charley from Season-Ending Injury List
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ORLANDO, Fla. (Aug. 2, 2025) - In a significant boost to their 2025 campaign, the Orlando Pride announced today the removal of midfielder Luana and forward Simone Charley from the season Ending Injury (SEI) list. Both players are now available for selection, marking a pivotal moment for the team as they prepare for their upcoming match against Utah Royals FC. The highly anticipated game is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 3, at Inter&Co Stadium.
A Season of Resilience: Luana’s Journey Back to the Pitch
Luana’s return is a testament to her strength and determination. The talented midfielder was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2024, a challenging period that saw her placed on the SEI list as she underwent chemotherapy treatment. Her care was managed in partnership with Orlando Health Cancer institute, the Club’s official medical partner, highlighting the thorough support system in place for pride players.
Before her diagnosis, Luana had made a promising start to the 2024 season. having joined the Pride ahead of the season via transfer from Corinthians, the São Paulo native had already featured in three games, accumulating 192 minutes of playing time. Her presence on the field was felt, and her absence was keenly missed. Now,cleared and ready,luana is poised to once again contribute her skill and vision to the Orlando Pride’s midfield.
Understanding Season Ending Injury (SEI) designations
The Season Ending Injury list is a designation used by the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to manage player availability and roster construction when a player sustains an injury that is expected to prevent them from participating for the remainder of the season.Players on the SEI list are typically unavailable for selection and may have specific roster implications for their clubs. The removal from this list signifies a player has successfully completed their rehabilitation and is medically cleared to return to play, a crucial step for both the athlete and the team.
Simone Charley: A New Chapter Begins for the Forward
For Simone Charley, her return to availability marks the beginning of her journey with the Orlando Pride. Charley joined the club ahead of the 2024 season as a free agent, bringing with her two seasons of experience with Angel City FC.However, her debut season with the Pride was unfortunately sidelined due to a significant injury.
Charley suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in her right ankle prior to the 2024 season,an injury that unfortunately kept her off the field for the entire year. This followed a similar setback in the 2023 season,where she sustained the same injury to her left foot. Her resilience in overcoming two major Achilles tendon ruptures is remarkable, and her availability signals a new and exciting chapter for her career with the Orlando Pride.
The Importance of Player Health and Rehabilitation
The successful return of both Luana and Simone Charley underscores the critical importance of player health, advanced medical care, and dedicated rehabilitation programs in professional sports.For athletes facing serious injuries or illnesses, the path back to peak performance is frequently enough long and arduous. It requires not only physical strength but also immense mental fortitude. The Orlando Pride’s commitment to supporting their players through these challenging times, as demonstrated by their partnership with Orlando Health Cancer Institute and their comprehensive approach to player welfare, is vital for fostering a successful and supportive team environment.
Looking Ahead: Impact on the Orlando Pride’s Season
The return of Luana and Simone Charley provides a significant injection of talent and depth for the Orlando Pride. Luana’s midfield prowess and Charley’s attacking potential offer new tactical options for Head Coach Seb Hines as the team continues its push in the 2025 NWSL season. With both players now available, the Pride are better positioned to compete at the highest level, aiming to build on their current standing and achieve their season goals. The upcoming match against Utah Royals FC will be the first opportunity for fans to see these returning stars back in action.
A Forward-Looking Outlook
The journey of athletes like Luana and Simone Charley, overcoming significant health challenges to return to the sport they love, is a powerful narrative that resonates deeply within the soccer community and beyond. As the NWSL continues to grow and evolve, the focus on player well-being,
