Gotham FC Lilly Reales unreal season culminates…
Intense feelings rushed through Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale when she was announced as this yr’s Rookie of the Year Wednesday evening at the NWSL’s annual awards ceremony.
Excitement. Pride. Disbelief.
But Reale’s nerves settled as she made her manner onto the stage and locked eyes with her best pal and longtime teammate, Ryan Campbell, who introduced her the award.
Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale receives a go during the second half of their sport against Racing Louisville FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium earlier this season. Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
“It was definitely an unreal moment,” Reale told The Post moments after receiving the award. “I was not really expecting it.”
Reale beat out the 2 other finalists, Seattle Reign winger Maddie Dahlien and Angel City ahead Riley Tiernan, who each boasted spectacular rookie campaigns worthy of the award.
Wednesday marked a pinnacle second for Reale, who has skilled a whirlwind of highs and lows since she signed her first skilled contract in January.
Reale made her first U.S. Women’s National Team camp in June and was called up again to play for the national staff in a pair of friendlies later this month.
Reale, 22, has been a regular defender for Gotham this season, showing in all 28 matches, including Sunday’s semifinal win against the 2024 champion Orlando Pride that despatched Gotham to their second NWSL championship in three years.
Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale (4) battles for the ball against Orlando Pride midfielder Jacqueline Ovalle (13) during the first half of a sport at Inter&Co Stadium earlier this season. IMAGN IMAGES via GWN Connect
“I owe a lot of that to my teammates and my coaches and honestly, the entire Gotham organization,” Reale said. “They’re really invested just in me as a player and a person. So I think obviously I’ve gotten a lot out of this year on the soccer field, but I think I’ve really just grown as a person off the field and that just makes it that much more special because I’m able to experience some of these huge milestones throughout the year.”
Though it has been a particular yr for Reale, she famous that her season is just not over yet, with Gotham set to play the Washington Spirit Saturday for this yr’s NWSL title in San Jose, Calif..
“Eyes full focused on this weekend,” she said, “and really excited to compete for a championship.”
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