Stanford graduate Riley was drafted 10th overall by FC Gold Pride in January and has been a constant presence at fullback as the San Francisco Bay Area outfit roared to the Regular Season Championship in their sophomore season.
Only Brazilian star Marta, named league MVP for the second year running, and Canadian striker Christine Sinclair played more minutes for the Pride in their minor title-winning season.
The Rookie of the Year award was decided equally by a public vote, media vote and a poll of WPS coaches.
Despite strong polling in the US and New Zealand, Riley was eventually pipped in the public vote by USA national team member Brittany Taylor. However, the coaches and media votes carried her to the title.
“I’m very honoured,” says Riley, who is also the current OFC Women’s Player of the Year. “It’s great for New Zealand football, FC Gold Pride and also exciting for me that three Stanford Alums won awards.”
“Overall I think this award is testament to how well the Pride have gone this season. We’ve had a great season and great coaching, and we’re all very focused on winning the Championship game next weekend.”
“I was humbled to know that friends, family and fans in New Zealand were casting votes for me and, regardless of whether or not I eventually won, it made me even more excited about coming back to New Zealand in just over a week.”
FC Gold Pride host the WPS Grand Final on September 26, with Riley flying out later that night to join up with her Football Ferns teammates in Auckland where they will attempt to qualify for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup by winning the OFC Women’s Nations Cup.
The qualifiers run from September 29 to August 8 at North Harbour Stadium.
From the WPS announcement of the awards:
WPS Rookie of the Year: Ali Riley (FC Gold Pride)
The left defender started 23 games for regular season champions FC Gold Pride this season and had three assists. Her solid defensive play helped FC Gold Pride lead the league in team defence with just 19 goals allowed, while her consistently aggressive runs up the left flank and dangerous crosses created opportunities and space for FC Gold Pride’s forwards throughout the season.
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
For the latest news visit www.nzfootball.co.nz