Sinead Farrelly, whose allegations towards former Portland Thorns coach Paul Riley sparked investigations that discovered widespread sexual abuse and misconduct within the NWSL, signed a one-year contract with Gotham FC for the 2023 season on Saturday.
Farrelly, 33, has not performed within the league for nearly eight years since retiring in 2016 following two seasons with the Thorns.
Farrelly’s public accusations in 2021 of sexual coercion and harassment towards Riley, together with related allegations from former teammate Mana Shim, led to an impartial investigation from the U.S. Soccer Federation and a joint NWSL and NWSL Gamers Affiliation investigation into abuse within the league.
Riley was one among 4 coaches who had been subsequently given lifetime bans from the NWSL.
“I am grateful for all of the assist I’ve obtained to assist me attain this level, as a result of I couldn’t have finished this alone,” Farrelly stated after signing with Gotham.
Farrelly, who had spent preseason coaching with Gotham as a non-roster invitee, has three objectives and two assists in 52 NWSL appearances for the Thorns and Kansas Metropolis. She additionally beforehand appeared for the U-17, U-20 and U-23 United States nationwide groups.
“I can not even think about doing this with one other membership besides Gotham FC,” the midfielder added. “My teammates, the coaches and the workers are superb. The surroundings has been skilled and so pleasing. I am past excited for this season with this workforce. We’ve got such a unified and passionate group and we’re able to placed on a present and win.
“I wish to be a key participant for Gotham FC, whereas additionally having grace and compassion with myself as I acclimate again into the skilled surroundings. There have been instances when this didn’t really feel doable for me. However I’ve made it to this second, and I’ll maintain constructing on it. As I proceed, I hope to encourage others to observe their desires, irrespective of how far out of attain they could appear.”
Gotham, which completed in final place within the standings a yr in the past, begins its 2023 season at Angel Metropolis on Sunday.
“Sinead will not be solely an impressive athlete, however probably the most admired individuals in our sport,” stated Gotham FC basic supervisor and head of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West.
“She got here into camp and earned a contract together with her excellent play. I do know she sees this as only a first step, however everybody at Gotham FC is extremely proud to be a part of Sinead’s journey, and enthusiastic about the entire nice qualities she brings to our workforce.”