Darielle O’Brien achieved a goal by making her National Women’s Soccer League debut for Utah Royals FC in the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup. The 26-year-old former Fontana Summit High School standout was signed as a National Team Replacement player to fill in for teammates at the 2024 Paris Olympics. O’Brien, along with two others, played in the match against the Seattle Reign, with O’Brien making a notable impact in her nearly 10 minutes of play. Her journey to the NWSL started with the amateur club team, United City FC, which aims to provide opportunities for women to play pro soccer without cost.
United City FC’s founder, Steven Hawthorne, had the goal of getting a player signed with an NWSL club within four years, a goal that has now been accomplished. O’Brien’s time with the club has been essential to her development as a player, as she recorded impressive stats and helped secure several titles. Her commitment to training and improving with United City FC, despite limited opportunities in California after college, has now opened the door to a professional soccer career. Hawthorne continues to work towards providing opportunities for talented players like O’Brien to showcase their skills at higher levels.
O’Brien’s successful trial with the Utah Royals FC exemplifies the effectiveness of United City FC’s model, which focuses on developing women’s soccer talents and creating pathways to professional leagues. O’Brien’s debut in the NWSL is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the player and her amateur club team. With this milestone achieved, O’Brien and United City FC are looking towards a future filled with more opportunities and success in the world of women’s soccer.
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