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Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale takes a throw in.

Lilly Reale Injury Clouds Gotham FC’s 2026 Season Opener

Home » News » Lilly Reale Injury Clouds Gotham FC’s 2026 Season Opener

United States women’s national team defender Lilly Reale has been returned to Gotham FC after she sustained a foot injury during Sunday’s SheBelieves Cup match against Argentina.

Reale was replaced by Emily Fox in the 62nd minute. The United States went on to win the match 2-0.

USWNT head coach Emma Hayes confirmed during Tuesday’s press conference that Reale is dealing with a foot injury and has left camp.

“Lilly Reale has a foot injury and has gone home back to Gotham,” Hayes said.

What It Means for Gotham FC’s 2026 Season

Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale advances the ball.
Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale advances the ball. (Photo courtesy of Gotham FC)

The injury puts Reale’s status for Gotham’s 2026 NWSL season opening match against Boston Legacy FC into question.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a remarkable rookie season in 2025, where she was voted as the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year, took home the NWSL Rookie of the Year and was named to the NWSL Best XI Second Team.

Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós leaned on Reale heavily in 2025. She made 29 appearances in all competitions during her debut season.

Thankfully for Gotham, captain and defensive stalwart Tierna Davidson was removed from the NWSL’s season-ending injury list on Sunday. Davidson is seeking a return to competitive action after being limited to three appearances last season.

“For me personally, it was a lot about just being back out on the field with my teammates in whatever capacity I was allowed to be, so it was really nice to be more integrated into training and connect with my teammates again on the field and just feel a little bit more part of the fold again,” Davidson said recently.

The 27-year-old’s 2025 season was halted when she suffered a torn ACL against the Houston Dash at Shell Energy Stadium on March 28.

Following Gotham’s third-place finish at the 2026 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, the Bats have continued to prepare for the NWSL regular season with closed-door scrimmages.

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