Angel City FC placed captain Ali Riley on the season-ending injury list Thursday.

The 36-year-old defender has missed most of the season with a chronic leg injury.

“This is something I have been dealing with for quite a long time and it just is not a straightforward injury with a predictable timeline,” Riley said. “I know that if I keep training at this level and pushing myself, I could do more damage than good. I want to get back to the pitch doing what I love pain-free and am now taking the time to do that.”

The Los Angeles native has been ACFC’s captain since the club’s inaugural NWSL season in 2022. She has three goals and three assists in 54 matches.

“You never want to see a player go on SEI, especially someone who makes as much of an impact on and off the field as Ali,” Angel City coach Becki Tweed said. “When you’re a professional athlete who represents their club and their country, you want to play every minute of every day and when you can’t, it is devastating. … It can’t be overstated how much Ali means to this team and community, and we are with her every step of the way.”

Riley previously played for the NWSL’s Orlando Pride (2020-21) after stints with Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

She has competed internationally for New Zealand since 2007, collecting two goals in 163 career caps.

–Field Level Media