HARRISON, N.J. (June 29, 2023)– Gotham FC is proud to confirm that midfielder Sinead Farrelly will make her FIFA Women’s World Cup debut this summer as she represents the Republic of Ireland.
More than six years after announcing her retirement from professional soccer in 2016, Farrelly made a triumphant return to the game by joining Gotham FC as a 2023 preseason training camp non-roster invitee. She earned her way onto the roster and signed a contract with the club in March.
This year, she has appeared in 11 regular-season games, with four of them as a starter, and her assist in Gotham FC's May 7 game contributed to the team’s 2-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars.
“Sinead has become an important part of our roster and our club,” said Gotham FC Head Coach Juan CarlosAmorós. “It is a credit to her ability, her commitment, and how she reads the game. Every day, she puts in the hard work, and I am especially proud that she is being rewarded with the opportunity to play in the World Cup. She has earned this.”
The Havertown, Pennsylvania native has Irish heritage through her father, Sean, who was born in Ireland. She received her first call-up to the Irish Women’s National Team for a pair of April friendlies against the U.S. Women’s National Team, and earned the start for the match on April 8. Prior suiting up for Ireland, Farrelly’s previous international experience included roster spots with the U.S. U-17, U-20, and U-23 teams.
Throughout her NWSL career, Farrelly has accumulated three goals and three assists over 63 regular season appearances. She played for Kansas City in the league’s inaugural 2013 season and with the Portland Thorns in 2014 and 2015.
“We have had the great privilege to watch Sinead return to the game she loves,” said General Manager Yael Averbuch West. “She has always had the talent to get to the World Cup, but her determination and strength are why she has made it back to the NWSL and ultimately onto the international stage. We are incredibly proud of her, and all of us at Gotham FC will be cheering her on.”
Farrelly excelled during her collegiate years at the University of Virginia, where she was twice named a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top college soccer player. In her senior season, she recorded 12 goals and 7 assists in 22 games. Among several honor she received that year, Farrelly was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year, NSCAA First Team All American, and the University of Virginia’s top female athlete for the 2010-11 season.
Farrelly will join a group of her Gotham FC teammates at the World Cup this summer. Last week, midfielder Kristie Mewis, defender Kelley O’Hara, and forward Lynn Williams were named to the U.S. Women’s National Team. In addition, Gotham FC forward Ifeoma “Ify” Onumonu has been named to the Nigeria Women’s National Team, and defender Bruninha will compete for Brazil.
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