defender Lilly Reale for membership and nation in 2025. Her dependable, lung-busting performances earned her the U.S. Younger Feminine Participant of the 12 months Award.
Reale logged 2,217 minutes in her debut season for Gotham and was relied upon by head coach Juan Carlos Amorós within the membership’s most essential matches as .
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The 22-year-old operated at left-back and center-back for all 26 NWSL regular-season video games, and he or she appeared in each playoff recreation, .
“I’m consistently reminded of how particular this nationwide crew program is once I replicate on the entire relationships, data, laughs and alternatives that U.S. Soccer has given me through the years,” Reale mentioned. “It was this setting the place I first discovered what it really took to succeed in the subsequent stage and simply how completely different every particular person’s journey will look. This 12 months specifically has been one marked by main progress moments, pleasure and many classes. By all of it, I really feel so fortunate to have been surrounded by such charismatic teammates, coaches and followers. With the ability to play alongside a lot of my function fashions and characterize my nation on the highest stage is one thing that I’ll by no means take without any consideration.
“Trying again on all of the unbelievable gamers which have gained this award in previous years solely serves as added motivation for me to attempt to observe of their footsteps. Thanks to everybody who has guided me on this journey, your assist actually means the world!”
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Her regular performances for Gotham turned heads .
Reale is the twenty eighth participant to earn the award since its inception in 1998. Present U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone was the primary recipient. Teammate gained the award in 2022 whereas she was a member of San Diego Wave FC.
Hayes Praises Reale’s Mentality, Power and Progress Potential
USA defender Lilly Reale celebrates with USA midfielder Rose Lavelle after an help on objective by USA midfielder Claire Hutton throughout the first half at Audi Discipline. Amber Searls-Imagn ImagesAmber Searls-Imagn Pictures
(Amber Searls-Imagn Pictures)
head coach Emma Hayes shared her pleasure for Reale’s shiny future on Friday.
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“It was a heck of a begin to her professional profession, however it wasn’t with out adversity as effectively,” Hayes mentioned. “She’s a mentally and bodily robust younger participant and an awesome teammate, so we’re trying ahead to watching her proceed develop into her roles for membership and nation.”
Reale has already made six appearances for the , and it is clear that Hayes has massive plans for the Hingham, Massachusetts native.
As Gotham competes for 4 trophies in 2026 and the USWNT prepares for the 2027 FIFA Ladies’s World Cup, Reale can have the chance to maintain including to her rising fame.
This story was initially revealed by on Jan 16, 2026, the place it first appeared within the part. Add Athlon Sports activities as a