Riley Tiernan’s professional days have seemed like a blur.
From non-roster invitee to scoring the winning goal in Angel City’s first victory of the season to winning the NWSL Rookie of the Month award for April, Tiernan has accomplished a lot in short period of time.
Tiernan is part of the first class of rookies that didn’t have to go through the draft process, but it looks like she made the right decision.
“Without the draft, it was a little bit of a tougher situation,” she said last month. “I was communicating to one club before the end of my (college) season, but that ended up falling through. I got another invitation for a preseason invite, but this one (Angel City) really stuck out to me and I knew that this was a place for great opportunities and a great environment, so my heart felt like here was the right place to be, followed my gut and paid off.
“I knew that everyone in this league is really talented and there’s really not much separation in the level and it’s great to be surrounded by such great players as well and I think it’s such a competitive environment that it makes it so much more fun.”
Tiernan eventually earned a two-year contract and has developed into Angel City’s leading goal scorer. She has five goals in the first seven games, including a pair of last Friday’s 4-3 win over the Washington Spirit.
“I definitely reviewed a lot of film on her in her college game where we knew that she had an edge,” Angel City first assistant coach Eleri Earnshaw said of Tiernan. “We knew that she was great back to goal, not only in protecting the ball, but turning and creating. We also knew that she could finish.”
Tiernan’s goal production has come in her last five games. She entered training camp with something to prove.
“I basically just took it (preseason camp) as a long, extended tryout,” she said. “I’ve been used to trying out for high-level teams and playing with talented players, so I think it was a little bit extra motivation. I had that bite that I needed to prove myself and earn a spot, so I think that that definitely helped me to put my best foot forward every day and show them what I could do.
“There really wasn’t a day where I could be like taking it easy or slack off. I just had to be my best self every day and try as much as I could.”
Tiernan recorded 19 goals and 34 assists at Rutgers University, where she followed her older sister Madison.
“My coach Mike O’Neill and the entire coaching staff did a really great job at shaping and creating not only amazing players but amazing people,” Tiernan said. “I learned a lot of defensive stuff, which I think can sometimes be overlooked as a forward.
“It’s definitely something that I took with me and that was a big thing that gave me an advantage in this environment. They took note of my defensive efforts and so I think that helped me. Rutgers was the best place I could ever be. They taught me how to be an amazing person and player.”
Laity suspended Friday
Laity received a red card after Tiernan’s game-winning goal against the Spirit and will not be in charge Friday.
Earnshaw, who joined the club in 2022, will fill in when Angel City (3-2-2, 11 points) hosts Utah Royals FC (1-5-1, 4 points).
“It’ll be my first game in charge on the sideline, but it’s an environment I’m really comfortable and excited to be in,” she said. “I’ve been here for four years and I’m really excited to be there, to be honest with you.”
UTAH ROYALS FC at ANGEL CITY FC
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: BMO Stadium
How to watch: Paramount+
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