Hingham Native Lilly Reale Shines in Boston Legacy FC Debut

The NWSL Rookie of the Year set up the winning goal for Gotham FC in the expansion team's inaugural home opener at Gillette Stadium.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:05pm

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Lilly Reale, a South Shore native and the 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Year, played a key role in Gotham FC's 1-0 victory over the Boston Legacy FC in the expansion team's inaugural home opener at Gillette Stadium. Reale, who grew up in Hingham and played for the local South Shore Select club team, controlled a long ball and set up the game-winning goal by Esther González in front of a record crowd of 30,207 fans.

Why it matters

Reale's homecoming to the Boston area was a special moment, as she represented the growing pipeline of talent coming from the South Shore region. The large crowd and competitive match highlighted the excitement surrounding the launch of the Boston Legacy FC, the city's first professional women's soccer team.

The details

Reale, who was the 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Year, didn't let the homecoming distract her as Gotham FC entered the match as the reigning NWSL champions. She controlled a long ball at midfield, made a run to the corner, and sent in a cross that led to the game-winning goal. Reale credited her time playing for the local South Shore Select club team with preparing her for the professional level.

  • The match took place on March 15, 2026.
  • Reale set up the winning goal in the 54th minute.

The players

Lilly Reale

A South Shore native and the 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Year, who currently plays for Gotham FC.

Esther González

The Gotham FC player who scored the game-winning goal assisted by Reale.

Boston Legacy FC

The expansion professional women's soccer team playing its inaugural home opener at Gillette Stadium.

South Shore Select

The local club team that Reale played for, which has produced several other NWSL players from the region.

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What they’re saying

“What a first step for the Boston Legacy to have this many fans and to compete out there.”

— Lilly Reale (bostonglobe.com)

“Similar to New Jersey and New York, I think Boston just has that standard of grit and passion and a lot of attitude and confidence that we carry into the sports around us.”

— Lilly Reale (bostonglobe.com)

“South Shore Select — I'll give them a little shout out — does a great job just preparing girls to play at the highest level.”

— Lilly Reale (bostonglobe.com)

What’s next

The Boston Legacy FC will look to build on their strong inaugural home opener as they continue their first NWSL season.

The takeaway

Lilly Reale's homecoming to the Boston area highlighted the growing pipeline of talent coming from the South Shore region, which has produced several current NWSL players. The large crowd and competitive match showcased the excitement surrounding the launch of the Boston Legacy FC, the city's first professional women's soccer team.