PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Thorns FC have acquired midfielder Sinead Farrelly from FC Kansas City in exchange for the 16th overall selection in the 2014 National Women’s Soccer League College Draft, it was announced today.
“Sinead is a versatile player and was one of the best box-to-box midfielders in WPS,” head coach Paul Riley said. “She is smooth, intelligent and has an engine second to none. Having coached her before, I know her strengths and she brings a lot to the table and will be a great addition to our 2014 team. She will relish playing in Portland’s atmosphere and she has the potential to be a fan favorite."
Farrelly, 24, appeared in 16 matches (10 starts) and recorded one goal for FC Kansas City during the inaugural NWSL season in 2013. Following the NWSL season, Farrelly was loaned to Cyprus club Apollon Limassol LFC through Jan. 31, 2014. The second overall pick by the Philadelphia Independence in the 2011 WPS Draft, Farrelly scored one goal in 14 regular-season appearances as a rookie. She played every minute of the postseason as the Independence reached the WPS Championship, falling 5-4 in penalty kicks against the Western New York Flash.
A native of Havertown, Pa., the former University of Virginia standout earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors four years in a row (2007-10) and was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year during her senior season in 2010. A two-time MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, Farrelly gained extensive youth national team experience at the U.S. U-15, U-16, U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels. She earned her first call into U.S. Women’s National Team training camp Feb. 3-9, 2011, as the senior team began preparations for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Farrelly was also called into senior national team camp in May 2011.
Portland still holds the 11th overall pick in Friday’s NWSL College Draft, along with picks in the third round (25th overall) and fourth round (34th overall).
Sinead Farrelly
Pronunciation: SH-nade FAR-lee
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-5
Born: Nov. 16, 1989, in Havertown, Pa.
Hometown: Havertown, Pa.
Last Club: FC Kansas City
College: University of Virginia
