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The offseason for NJ/NY Gotham FC is like a seesaw. One day they announce a departure, and the next they announce a signing. On Thursday, the club announced that McCall Zerboni was departing the club. Before fans could process the latest news, they announced a new signing on Friday.
The newest addition to Gotham FC is Lilly Reale, a defender from UCLA. She marks the second college signing for 2025, joining Sarah Schupansky as the first college players to join the Bats since the draft ended. Reale's contract will keep her with the team through 2027.
Lilly Reale is the newest Gotham FC player
As mentioned, Reale is from UCLA and won the NCAA Women's Soccer Championship with the Bruins in 2022. The Massachusetts native spent all four seasons with the team, playing in 83 games. She had three goals and four assists during her collegiate career. In addition, Reale was a semifinalist in 2023 and 2024 for the MAC Hermann Trophy. All of her accolades highlight that Gotham brought in another talented rookie.
However, the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year will have a lot of competition in the backline. Reale is a natural center-back, so she will have the likes of Jess Carter, Tierna Davidson, and Emily Sonnett in front of her, with Carter able to play as the right-back as well. At the same time, with Sam Hiatt's departure via free agency, perhaps Reale was signed to replace her specifically. Therefore, as long as she is ready to play professionally, the center-back should see time on the pitch.
Additionally, many believed she was one of the best defenders in the NCAA Division 1. There is a reason she started all four years of college and was part of one of the best teams in the country. Each season, UCLA won 16 or more matches. The soccer team's win percentage average was about 0.854 during those four years.
Reale's participation in a winning culture during her collegiate years should hopefully inspire her to compete for minutes at Gotham FC. The winning culture is something Juan Carlos Amorós has been trying to institute at the club. Hence, Reale should fit in based on her experience. At the same time, she might adjust quickly to the NWSL and prove to the head coach that she should start here and there. Nobody wants to break up the Davidson-Sonnett connection, but Sonnett's versatility aids her to play both in the backline and defensive midfield.
When all is said and done, Gotham FC is fortunate to have signed a talented defender with potential. It would not be surprising for Reale to contribute to the team in her first season.