United States women’s national team defender Lilly Reale is looking to make a major impact at Boston Legacy FC after she was traded to the expansion club on Wednesday after a one and a half year spell with defending NWSL champions Gotham FC.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a successful start to her career with Gotham, having helped the club capture the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup and the NWSL title during her debut season.
Her rookie year contributions saw her named as the 2025 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year and the 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Year.
Reale Ready for Fresh Start at Boston Legacy FC After Trophy-Winning Start with Gotham FC
Now, as a member of the Legacy, Reale’s new challenge will be elevating the first-year club to a higher position in the NWSL standings. Boston currently sits 14th overall in the table after 12 matches played.
“Understanding where this club is going, and the direction that it’s going in excites me the most,” Reale told the Legacy’s official website. “Being able to understand not only the investment that ownership from top down has really put into this club and then also the team and the direction they’re going in, understanding that this is the beginning.
“They’re really hungry and asserting a style that you don’t see as often in the NWSL. I think that really excites me, just being able to understand different playing styles and play whatever role I can on this team to help us get some wins.”
Reale to Play Key Role in Boston’s Back Line
Reale made 44 appearances across all competitions for Gotham FC. The Bats received a combined $400,000 in allocation and transfer fees from Boston to complete the trade.
The 5-foot-9 defender has signed a four-year contract with Boston that runs through December 2029. Legacy general manager Domè Guasch is delighted to add Reale to Boston’s ambitious squad that includes Canadian international forward Nichelle Prince and Brazilian forward Amanda Gutierres.
“Lilly is a player of real quality and competitive character, and her NWSL Rookie of the Year award last season proves that,” Guasch said. “But she’s also a young player with enormous room to grow, and part of what drives this move is our belief that her best years are still in front of her. This is her city, she understands what it means to compete here, and we intend to be the club that helps her fulfill that potential.”
Reale could potentially make her Boston debut on July 5 when the Legacy welcomes Bay FC to Pawtucket, Rhode Island’s Centreville Bank Stadium.
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