This Angel City FC 22-year-old is making a strong Rookie of the Year bid | OneFootball

Just seven weeks into the season, Angel City's Riley Tiernan is the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year in the NWSL. Tiernan, a former Rutgers player, has been unstoppable for Angel City and she came up big over the weekend against the Washington Spirit.

Tiernan's 2025 body of work

Tiernan has started the season off on fire. The rookie has looked like an experienced player, hardly showing any nerves playing on the biggest stage. She has been crucial to Angel City's campaign thus far and she'll likely continue to play a massive role for the team.

The forward has five goals in seven games, the second-highest tally in the league behind Gotham's Esther Gonzalez in the Golden Boot race. Her performance so far was good enough to earn April Rookie of the Month.

Following that accolade, Tiernan delivered again for Angel City in their 4-3 win against the Spirit this weekend, including a stoppage-time game-winner. The rookie combined with veteran Christen Press, which showed the depth that Angel City has.

Can Tiernan Continue to Perform?

Tiernan has shown that she's a key player for Angel City. The club sits eighth in the table, with 11 points from seven games. Seattle is just above Angel City, ahead only on goal difference. Tiernan will want to continue to score to alleviate the negative goal differential that Angel City has now.

Tiernan's goal tally is impressive, especially for a rookie. She has looked like a threat all season long, making Angel City a team to watch out for. With the likes of Tiernan and Alyssa Thompson, Angel City has plenty of options up top. Angel City's next match comes against the Utah Royals, a team that has struggled thus far and just lost 2-0 to the Courage at home.

Tiernan will be looking to add to her goal tally against Utah and hope that Gonzalez doesn't add to her lead for the Golden Boot. Tiernan is looking likely to take Rookie of the Year if she can continue her good run of form.