NJ/NY GOTHAM FC OVERVIEW.
USWNT legend Heather O’Reilly signs one-day contract with Gotham FC for friendly vs Chelsea
O’Reilly signs replacement injury
WHAT HAPPENED?
NJ/NY Gotham FC, the reigning NWSL champions, announced that Heather O’Reilly has signed a deal through August 19 as an injury replacement player with the team.
The 39-year-old retired from professional soccer in 2019, but has stayed closely involved on many levels, specifically working as a member of the coaching staff with North Carolina Courage’s youth system.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
During her storied career, O’Reilly played with the Blues cross-London rivals Arsenal during the 2018-18 season. Now, she’ll have the chance to take the pitch against her rivals once again.
A three-time Olympic Gold medalist and 2015 FIFA World Cup champion, O’Reilly is one of the most decorated footballers in U.S. women’s national team history.
On top of her international accolades, O’Reilly led the US Women at The Soccer Tournament 2024 (TST) to the inaugural women’s title earlier this summer. Her squad claimed the $1m cash prize
DID YOU KNOW?
The Monday match-up between Gotham and Chelsea is a meeting of champions, and O’Reilly will be part of the squad to take on Chelsea in the team’s U.S. Tour.
O’Reilly cannot stay away from the game, and with good reason. She hasn’t skipped a beat, and is still the dynamic, fast, and creative midfielder she was for many years on the USWNT.
O’Reilly joined Gotham FC’s preseason training at IMG Academy in February, after being one of the ten non-rostered invitees to the training.
O’Reilly played in the WPS before competing in the NWSL. She was a member of Sky Blue FC from 2008-2011.
WHAT NEXT FOR O’REILLY
The Bats take on the Blues Monday evening, with O’Reilly getting some potential minutes. The NWSL side will be back in league action on Saturday, meanwhile, when they visit Sophia Smith and the Portland Thorns to resume NWSL play after the Olympic break
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All the goals came in the first 31 minutes as Chelsea won their pre-season friendly at Gotham FC 3-1 on Monday night.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd took just seven minutes of Sonia Bompastor’s first game in charge of Chelsea to open the scoring, forcing a through ball by Erin Cuthbert past goalkeeper Cassie Miller.
Rytting Kaneryd completed her brace with only 15 minutes played, the hosts gifting her possession before she exchanged passes with Aggie Beever-Jones and slotted in the cut-back.
Erin Cuthbert had to be helped off midway through the first half with a leg injury, after Guro Reiten fell on her.
However, Chelsea’s lead was extended by Beever-Jones, when sent clear by a ball over the top from Rytting Kaneryd.
Gotham got a goal back and it was from former Chelsea defender Jess Carter, who squeezed in a far-post volley following Bruninha’s free kick.
Yazmeen Ryan went for goal from a 20-yard free kick but found Hannah Hampton equal to the shot.
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