ESPN has launched a behind-the-scenes documentary series focusing on National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) players, prominently featuring Riley Tiernan, a soccer player from Voorhees, New Jersey. The “Riley Tiernan NWSL series” offers an intimate view into her journey as one of the league’s emerging talents.
The production titled NWSL: The Final Third is a collaboration between ESPN and two well-known production companies, Words + Pictures and Omaha Productions. Words + Pictures is recognized for crafting numerous 30 for 30 documentaries and soccer-related content for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Omaha Productions has partnered often with ESPN, including work on the Monday Night Football Manningcast, co-owned by football legend Peyton Manning.
Key Players Highlighted Alongside Tiernan
The three-part series prominently features Tiernan alongside other notable NWSL figures, including Angel City’s Christen Press in her final professional season, Kansas City’s Lo’eau LaBonta, Washington’s Trinity Rodman, as well as Hal Hershfelt and Esme Morgan. The show captures both on-field action and personal moments, emphasizing the human side of these athletes.
Marie Margolius, the series director and a Harvard alumna who embraces the sport passionately, underscored the importance of the players’ willingness to be genuine on camera. She said,
“I always say the key to making series like this successful is choosing characters who are excited by the opportunity and understand that there is a level of vulnerability that’s required,”
adding,
“Riley, specifically, certainly understands that. And I think her trajectory in the league has sort of resonated with people because of her vulnerability and because she’s opened up about the challenged road that she’s had.”
Spotlight on Both Established Stars and Rising Talent
While longtime national team star Christen Press and breakout phenom Trinity Rodman attract much of the attention, the series also introduces viewers to less familiar talents. Rodman shares candid personal stories, including how she met her boyfriend, tennis pro Ben Shelton, which adds a relatable, human element to the series. Meanwhile, Lo’eau LaBonta’s lively personality and viral goal celebrations have earned her a strong fan base within women’s soccer communities.
Though Tiernan is relatively new to the professional stage, making her debut last year, this miniseries aims to elevate her visibility and highlight her potential impact on the league.
Riley Tiernan’s Authentic Journey From South Jersey to the NWSL
Tiernan reflected on the opportunity to be featured, emphasizing the importance of being authentic. She told The Inquirer,
“It was such a cool opportunity. I think any chance I’m given to do things like that is really important to take. They were great people, and they wanted me to just be as raw and authentic as possible, so I just tried my best to do that.”
The footage offers glimpses of Tiernan’s life beyond the field, including time spent in her Southern California apartment with her boyfriend, Gavin Stellpflug, a former Rutgers baseball pitcher. Their relationship began during her collegiate soccer career at Rutgers, and he relocated west to support her last summer.
Tiernan praised his unwavering support, stating,
“He’s been one of the most supportive people throughout my journey here, especially. So just being able to have him not only be here with me in California, but to also want to be involved in all the opportunities I get, I think it shows how much he really cares and how he’s willing to show up for me — even in times where he might not feel super comfortable being on camera and stuff like that. But, yeah, I can’t thank him enough for just being there for me in every way possible through the good and the tough times.”
The series also offers context about her background, tracing her rise from South Jersey and Rutgers to her professional career. Tiernan describes South Jersey as “more gritty,” emphasizing the hard work and determination that shaped her.
“I’m super wild and crazy and a little bit fearless too, so I think that helps me with sports a lot and difficult situations,”
she adds in the show.
This fearless attitude was critical during her preseason tryout with Angel City, the only route available to her after the NWSL ended its college draft system. Her determination throughout that period is a central facet of the series’ narrative.
Outstanding Rookie Season and Industry Recognition
Tiernan’s impressive debut season led to eight goals—the most scored by any rookie in the league—and earned her a nomination for Rookie of the Year. This performance garnered respect from peers and former stars, including U.S. national team veteran Sam Mewis. Mewis praised her tenacity, stating,
“You may think she’s going to go out on the field and she’s going be dainty and fast, and she’s going to flick her ponytail. Riley is the toughest player on the field. … I just think it’s so impressive what she’s brought to a franchise that is really important to the league.”
The series also captures Tiernan’s experience at the NWSL’s inaugural awards night, where although she did not win Rookie of the Year (which went to Gotham FC defender Lilly Reale), her impact was clear. In a cameo, her boyfriend remarked,
“She’s a star. It’s been crazy to watch. She has a look, she’s got the spirit, she’s got the hunger, the tenacity, and, of course, the talent.”
Angel City cofounder and CEO Julie Uhrman offered encouragement after the event, telling Tiernan,
“You will be MVP next year if I have anything to do with it. You’re amazing. You’re f— amazing. OK? You’re amazing.”
This emotional moment moved Tiernan to tears.
Continuing Commitment and Future Prospects
Although Uhrman is scheduled to step down as Angel City CEO in late March, transitioning to an advisory role and board membership, Tiernan is secured with the club through a contract extension signed last month that runs through 2028. This stability positions her well to continue developing and making a significant impact.
As the NWSL regular season kicks off on March 13, with Angel City’s first match just two days later, Tiernan will have the platform to advance her career and continue inspiring fans with her performances on the field.
Broad Appeal and Anticipated Impact of the Series
Margolius summarized Tiernan’s appeal and the series’ significance, stating,
“Her journey to being a contender for Rookie of the Year is one that is full of resilience and mental fortitude and physical strength that I think is really inspiring. She also just has this casual, fun vibe to her that I think is going to be really beneficial for the league and the sport. People are going to root for Riley Tiernan — everybody on the production team, by the end of production, was rooting for Riley Tiernan.”
The entire three-episode series premiered on ESPN’s streaming platform this past Wednesday and will air on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. starting Monday. Additionally, Disney+ subscribers can view the episodes throughout March. This broad distribution ensures that Tiernan’s story, along with those of her peers, reaches a wide and diverse audience eager to connect with women’s professional soccer.
