Riley Tiernan’s Remarkable Journey
On a foggy day in late March, Riley Tiernan found herself poised just inside the penalty area, preparing for a defining moment. Teammate Katie Zelem played the ball out wide to Claire Emslie, and as Emslie launched a cross from 12 yards out, Tiernan leapt into action. With three defenders from the Seattle Reign looming, she executed a header that soared into the top left corner of the net—a remarkable feat, especially considering Tiernan’s non-existent contract just four weeks prior.
Now, at just 23 years old, she stands as a finalist for the NWSL Rookie of the Year award, alongside Maddie Dahlien from Seattle and Lilly Reale from Gotham FC. This significant milestone comes after an unconventional journey, marked by resilience and determination. Two weeks before the NWSL kicked off, Tiernan was merely a non-roster invitee at the training camp for Angel City FC.
Transformation and Recognition
Julie Uhrman, the president and co-founder of Angel City, highlighted Tiernan’s transformation from underdog to standout.
“She had to fight for recognition, fight for a roster spot, fight for a starting position, and she emerged victorious in every challenge,”
Uhrman noted.
Tiernan certainly made an impression during her inaugural season. By early May, she was leading all rookies in goals, with five, and was second in the Golden Boot race. Season’s end saw her start every match, totaling 2,200 minutes played, with a record of 8 goals and 18 shots on target. Although Angel City failed to make the playoffs with a record of 7 wins, 6 losses, and 13 draws, Tiernan’s breakout performance stood as a bright spot for the team.
Early Life and Development
Reflecting on her incredible journey, Tiernan expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to step onto the field, never anticipating the positive turn of events that followed her early challenges. Growing up in Voorhees, New Jersey, she was regularly found playing soccer in her backyard alongside her older sister, Madison, who went on to become a top collegiate player at Rutgers. Riley, affectionately dubbed the “little sister,” quickly proved she could hold her own against older peers, earning a reputation for her competitive spirit and tenacity.
By age eight, she was recognized as one of the premier players at the Player Development Academy in South Jersey and eventually became the top-ranked player in her class. It wasn’t long before coach Mike O’Neill from Rutgers reached out with a scholarship offer, knowing well the support Riley’s family could provide during her athletic career. Following in the family tradition of competitive spirit, Tiernan embraced this opportunity, later thriving in her freshman year at Rutgers, where she earned the Big Ten Freshman of the Year accolade.
Challenges and Triumphs
However, her career faced a major setback during her senior year when a red card incident during a crucial match nearly overshadowed her achievements, limiting her participation in the championship game. Despite this, the end of her collegiate career sparked urgency; with the NWSL draft changes, Tiernan knew she needed a contract and set her sights on that goal.
Applying pressure on herself, she felt anxious and uncertain about her professional future, especially coming off the red card incident that had left lingering doubts in people’s minds. With the assistance of her sister, she hired an agent who connected her with both Gotham FC and Angel City for trial opportunities.
In January, as she boarded a flight to LA, Tiernan was filled with nervous anticipation, feeling a swell of adrenaline as she began her tryout at Angel City. With each practice, she was determined to impress the coaching staff, generating mixed feedback that only added to her anxiety as the contract offer remained elusive. Yet, Tiernan’s unwavering hard work paid off; just weeks before the season began, she received the long-awaited news: Angel City wanted to sign her. Her sister Madison emphasized the importance of this achievement, noting that Tiernan could now claim ownership of her accomplishments.
Celebrating Success
Fast forward to September, in a thrilling moment before a vibrant crowd, Tiernan made her mark once again by scoring her eighth goal of the season against Bay FC—an achievement that set a new single-season record for the club. The jubilant atmosphere reverberated with chants from fans who had witnessed her rise from an uncertain future to a reliable presence on the field.
Angel City’s coaching staff praised her unique skillset and mindset, noting how exceptional it was for someone her age. Despite facing challenges in subsequent games, Tiernan’s dedication never wavered. After a tough match against Portland Thorns FC, she made her presence felt through her relentless efforts, earning high praise from both teammates and coaches alike—reinforcing the foundation she built throughout the season.
As Tiernan celebrated her achievements with her supporters, a humorous gift from dedicated fans—a shirt featuring her face on satire art from “Step Brothers”—reminded her of her journey and the roots she cherishes while thriving in Los Angeles. Through hard work, resilience, and family support, Tiernan evolved into a professional athlete, marking a beautiful chapter in her life and career.
