Gotham FC signs Sinead Farrelly: Why she returned to NWSL after nearly 8 years away

Midfielder Sinead Farrelly has signed a contract with Gotham FC for the 2023 season with an option, the team announced Saturday. Here’s what you need to know:

Farrelly returns to the NWSL after nearly eight years away from the game. She previously played for Kansas City in the NWSL’s inaugural season in 2013 and then two seasons in Portland before retiring in 2016.
The 33-year-old has three goals and two assists in 52 NSWL appearances.
Farrelly, along with former Thorns teammate Mana Shim, accused then-Portland coach Paul Riley of sexual coercion and harassment in a story on The Athletic published in September 2021. Riley, who was coaching the North Carolina Courage at the time, was immediately fired following the allegations and later banned permanently from working in NWSL after a joint NWSL/NWSL Players Association investigation.

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

What’s the significance of Farrelly’s contract?

This is Farrelly’s return to soccer after she last played a professional game in 2015 following her alleged abuse and sexual coercion by Riley. At the time, Farrelly was seen as a good starting midfielder and a roster asset with enough trade value she could have landed at several teams in the league. — Yang

What does this mean for Gotham on the field?

Gotham definitely struggled in their midfield last season, but this season finds them with a slightly overcrowded midfield. That could mean pushing Farrelly higher up as a forward, or perhaps signals early intentions to a midfield-heavy formation. Farrelly is available for selection in Gotham’s first game of the season against Angel City on March 26. — Yang

What they are saying

“I’m thankful for all the support I’ve received to help me reach this point, because I could not have done this alone,” Farrelly said in a statement. “I can’t even imagine doing this with another club except Gotham FC. My teammates, the coaches and the staff are amazing. The environment has been professional and so enjoyable. I’m beyond excited for this season with this team. We have such a unified and passionate group and we’re ready to put on a show and win.”

Gotham FC GM and head of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West said Farrelly is “one of the most admired people in our sport.”

“She came into camp and earned a contract with her outstanding play. I know she sees this as just a first step, but everyone at Gotham FC is incredibly proud to be part of Sinead’s journey, and excited about all of the great qualities to brings to our team.”

Required reading

(Photo: Rich Barnes/Getty Images)