US Women’s National Team Call-Up for Lily Real

Every now and then, impressive performances from both professional opening acts and notable showings at the U23 camp can lead to a much-anticipated call-up to the US women’s national team. That’s exactly what Margarit Azasa had in mind for Lily Real, as she shared with the Post—things were heading that way.

As the UCLA coach, Azasa had been in touch with friends connected to Gotham FC and former Bruins defenders during the recent U23 sessions. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Earlier this week, Gotham coach Juan Carlos Amoros even surprised Real during a team meeting.

Real, alongside teammates defender Emily Sonnett and midfielder Rose Lovell, made it onto the training camp roster in preparation for three upcoming friendly matches. She has already cemented her place as Gotham’s left back, starting 11 out of her first 12 games, showcasing her ability to blend solid defense with an offensive edge.

In just her first seven matches, she managed to rack up goals and assists, which is quite impressive for someone in her position.

What’s even more remarkable is how seamlessly she transitioned positions after college.

Her presence injected youthful energy into a veteran-heavy Gotham team that was still searching for rhythm as the NWSL season approached its five-week international break.

Amoros commented ahead of Saturday’s game against Bay FC at Sports Illustrator Stadium, saying, “We’re assisting her with the transition, but she’s also helping herself.”

Real’s journey to Gotham is somewhat unique, especially with the NWSL eliminating the draft due to a new CBA last August. Azasa noted that this change allows players like Real to choose their desired destination, which she saw as beneficial.

After a brief training stint with Gotham last summer—something many college players do during the offseason—she not only relied on that experience but also secured a contract in January that runs through 2027, allowing her to continue learning from veterans like Sonnett.

By the time the season kicked off, she had already switched positions. Azasa placed her in a central defensive role when she joined UCLA, recognizing her as a defensive backbone for the Bruins.

In the 2022 championship season, Real’s skills earned her the title of the best defensive player in the College Cup.

During her senior year, she contributed to the team leading the nation in goals against averages and shutouts. However, Azasa sensed that Real was ready to adopt a more offensive posture.

While she never explicitly said Real was bored, Azasa sometimes thought, “Yeah, she wants to make it interesting. She’s going to try and dribble 50 yards.” And, for the most part, she was successful, so Azasa felt there was no reason to stop her.

“I think the pro team has begun to recognize some of her fantastic offensive skills,” Azasa reflected.

During a match against Angel City FC on April 18, Azasa felt that Real was successfully adapting to her new position and the NWSL, bringing pressure to Angel City—though it wasn’t happening effortlessly.

She used her agility while needing to find comfort in her new role. Speed didn’t prove to be bothersome, and physicality wasn’t holding her back either.

Then, just a week later, Real demonstrated her creative abilities.

She sprinted down the left sideline, delivering a precise offensive cross from just outside the 18-yard box straight to Sarah Spansky’s feet, sending it behind the Washington Spirit’s goal.

This offensive layer wasn’t always available to her when she played center-back, but it has certainly become part of her adjustments. And when everything aligned, the call from the national team became a reality.