NJ/NY Gotham FC stars have taken home two of the top US Soccer awards this year: Rose Lavelle won Female Player of the Year, and Lilly Reale won Young Female Player of the Year, US Soccer announced on Friday.
Lavelle and Reale are coming off extremely successful seasons: both won the NWSL Championship and CONCACAF W Champions Cup with Gotham, Reale won the NWSL’s Rookie of the Year award, and Lavelle was named the NWSL Championship MVP. Both players were instrumental in Gotham’s success, and played key roles on the National Team.
Veteran, leader, and star midfielder Rose Lavelle honored as Female Player of the Year
Star midfielder Lavelle is a veteran player who won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019 and the Olympic Gold medal in 2024. She has been on the USWNT for the past ten years.
“I’m really happy for Rose, who is thriving. She’s an extremely selfless person who has been through a lot of adversity,”said Hayes. “I think we all know that Rose is not only one of the best players in the world, but also one of the most fun to watch, and to coach, so it’s very satisfying to see her recognized in this way.”
Lavelle began the season with an ankle injury after undergoing surgery during the offseason, and returned to the National Team in June. In the five USWNT matches she started this year, she made goal contributions in all of them. Throughout her international career, she has 27 goals and 27 assists.
“When I look at the past year, it feels like a testament to the support system I had, with my family, the medical staff at Gotham and with the National Team, all my teammates, coaches and friends,” said Lavelle. “I wouldn’t have been in the position to even be up for the award without all of the support I received throughout the year just to get back on the field. So, this award is definitely shared with all the people I was lucky enough to have in my corner along the way.”
Lavelle was named the NWSL Championship MVP this year after scoring the only goal of the match and securing Gotham’s second title in the 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit. This was her second Championship match goal, making her the only player to score in two NWSL Championships and a FIFA Women’s World Cup final.
This is her first time winning the US Soccer Female Player of the Year award.
Lilly Reale wins Young Player of the Year after breakout rookie season
Reale is coming off an extremely successful rookie season with Gotham playing as an outside back. She also earned her first call-ups and caps for the USWNT this year.
“As far as Lilly, it was a heck of a start to her pro career, but it wasn’t without adversity as well,” said Hayes. She’s a mentally and physically strong young player and a great teammate, so we are looking forward to watching her continue grow into her roles for club and country.”
Reale played in all 26 regular-season matches for Gotham and started in all three post-season games. As a left back, she contributed to both the attack and defense.
Internationally, Reale started off last year at the USWNT Futures Camp in January and the U-23 training camp in April. Since making her debut in June in a friendly against Ireland, she has now appeared in six total matches.
“I am constantly reminded of how special this National Team program is when I reflect on all of the relationships, knowledge, laughs and opportunities that U.S. Soccer has given me over the years,” said Reale. “It was this environment where I first learned what it truly took to reach the next level and just how different each person’s journey will look. This year in particular has been one marked by major growth moments, joy and lots of lessons. Through it all, I feel so lucky to have been surrounded by such charismatic teammates, coaches and fans. Being able to play alongside many of my role models and represent my country at the highest level is something that I’ll never take for granted.
“Looking back on all the incredible players that have won this award in past years only serves as added motivation for me to strive to follow in their footsteps,” said Reale. “Thank you to everyone who has guided me on this journey, your support really means the world!”
Lavelle and Reale will not appear in the upcoming USWNT matches in January. Instead, they have already started their preseason with Gotham in Spain, and will head to London to compete in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, where the first women’s intercontinental club champion will be decided.
