United States women’s national team defender Lilly Reale is shipping up to Boston after a one and a half year stint with defending NWSL champions Gotham FC.
As first reported by Sports Illustrated writer Jenna Tonelli, Gotham FC will receive a combined $400,000 in allocation and transfer fees from Boston Legacy FC in exchange for Reale, who was voted as the 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Year.
Reale has signed a four-year deal with Boston that runs through December 2029.
Boston Legacy Move Makes Sense for Reale on Multiple Levels
The move makes sense for Reale from both a personal and professional standpoint. The Hingham, Massachusetts native will have the opportunity to play close to home and embrace a key role in Boston’s inaugural season and for years to come.
Lately, the 22-year-old defender has found consistent minutes hard to come by after Gotham acquired natural left-winger turned left-back Guro Reiten from Chelsea.
In her last six appearances for the Bats, Reale only played for a total of 168 minutes or an average of 28 minutes per match after she recovered from lower leg/foot injuries.
South Ward Central recently spoke with USWNT head coach Emma Hayes about her plans for Reale as the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup approaches.
“I think for Lilly Reale, again, she’s a player that will be knocking on the door come qualification time,” Hayes stated. “I don’t think she’s necessarily had the best moment with Guro Reiten going in, but I think as a defender, her outstanding qualities are there to see for everyone, and she’s an extremely resilient character, someone I think the team can always count on.”
NWSL Championship, Concacaf W Champions Cup Title Highlight Reale’s Gotham Contributions
Reale did not appear for the USWNT after being called into Hayes’ 26-player squad for the recent friendlies in Brazil on June 6 and June 9. The 5-foot-9 defender also did not play in Gotham’s 1-0 home victory over the Houston Dash on May 31.
The Legacy, who currently sit 14th in the NWSL standings, will certainly benefit from Reale’s presence. Boston has conceded 19 goals through 12 matches and possess a minus-eight goal differential.
Reale will be remembered by Gotham supporters for her contributions in helping the club win the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup and last season’s NWSL title during her rookie season.
She departs Gotham with 44 appearances made across all competitions.
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