Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Defender Lilly Reale, the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League Rookie of the Year, has officially joined expansion club Boston Legacy FC from NJ/NY Gotham FC. In this significant trade, Gotham will receive $350,000 in allocation money along with an additional $50,000 in intraleague transfer fee funds. Reale’s new deal with the Legacy extends through December 2029.
Reale, who showcased her talent at UCLA, played a pivotal role in the Bruins’ 2022 national championship victory and earned first-team All-American honors twice. During her rookie season with Gotham, she participated in all 26 regular-season matches, starting in 21 of them. She notably contributed to the team’s success in winning the 2025 NWSL Championship and was recognized with a spot on the NWSL Best XI Second Team.
Following her impressive performances in the league, Reale received her first senior call-up to the U.S. women’s national team on June 18, 2025. She made her debut on June 26, 2025, in a match against the Republic of Ireland. Additionally, she was honored as U.S. Soccer’s Young Female Player of the Year that same year and has accumulated nine senior caps, with her most recent appearance being in a friendly against Japan on April 17, 2025.
This season, Reale has made nine appearances for Gotham in 11 matches. After starting in the first five games, she faced a setback due to injury that sidelined her for nearly a month. Consequently, she has not started or played over 30 minutes since her return.
Expressing her enthusiasm about the move back to Boston, Reale stated, “Understanding where this club is going and the direction that it’s going in excites me the most.” She emphasized the strong investment from ownership and the potential for the Legacy to establish a unique playing style in the NWSL.
The addition of Reale is expected to bolster a Legacy defense that has struggled this season, as the team has yet to keep a clean sheet in 12 games played. Furthermore, Reale’s move brings her closer to her roots in Hingham, Massachusetts, enhancing her connection to the Boston community.
