Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale has made three appearances for the club since hopping from the college game to the professional ranks, a move that she is adjusting to well considering the level of talent between the two types of games. The former UCLA Bruin has big shoes to fill with rookies like Jenna Nighswonger previously bursting onto the stage but her poise and mind for the game are guiding her through the adjustments quite well.
“Coming from college it definitely took a little bit to get used to not only the speed of play but the style that the NWSL brings,” said Reale to the media on Wednesday. “It’s a very ‘transition-based’ league and pushes me now, playing outside back, to get my fitness up.”
Reale is surrounded by one of the deepest and most knowledgeable rosters in NWSL. World Cup winners like Esther Gonzalez, league veterans like Midge Purce, Emily Sonnett and Rose Lavelle create a learning environment that many rookies in any league would want. Under head coach Juan Carlos Amoros, she also has the ability to grow with the type of leadership that understands the pains of learning a new league and the patience to help a player like Reale grow.
This is nothing new for Gotham FC who have, over the years, developed strong players such as the previously mentioned Nighswonger as well as others like Rocky Rodriguez who now plays for the Kansas City Current. Under Amoros, Reale will get the chances to prove herself on the field as well as have time to sit under the learning tree with a very good Gotham FC coaching staff.
While growth is important, results also matter. Gotham have started the season with a bit of inconsistency. The team found it difficult to find their scoring legs but showed a stout and resolute defense that has kept them in nearly every game. Only twice this season have they surrendered more than one goal and currently have four clean sheets in nine games. That level of defending is something that Amoros and his coaching staff have become known for and Reale can benefit heading into a big game against San Diego on Friday night.
“It’s been a bit of a challenge and an adjustment,” said Reale. “I have my coaches and teammates around me to help best prepare me and give me tips and pointers where they can. I think there’s nothing like playing in some of those games and gaining the experience myself.”
Gotham FC currently sits in seventh place in a tight table. A win over San Diego could see them go as high as third should other results go their way. Their Friday night opponents are just two points ahead of them and riding a four-game unbeaten streak.
photo from Gotham FC