Riley Tiernan Bio
Riley Shea Tiernan (born November 14, 2002) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Angel City FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She played college soccer for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, where she was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and earned All-Big Ten honors four times. Tiernan has quickly made a name for herself in the soccer community, showcasing her talent and determination on the field since her youth.
Early Life and Background
Riley Tiernan was raised in Voorhees Township, New Jersey, as one of three children born to Robin and Joe Tiernan. Her family has a strong soccer background; her older sister, Madison, played college soccer at Rutgers and professionally for Sky Blue FC before becoming an assistant coach at Rutgers during Riley’s sophomore season. Tiernan began her soccer journey at the age of nine, playing club soccer with PDA. She attended Eastern Regional High School, where she played four years of prep soccer. In 2018, she helped her team win the Group IV state championship and was recognized as the Courier-Post Player of the Year and a United Soccer Coaches high school All-American in 2020.
Path to Soccer
Tiernan’s early exposure to soccer and her family’s support played a significant role in her development as a player. She honed her skills through club soccer and high school competitions, which laid the foundation for her future success. After an impressive high school career, she transitioned to collegiate soccer, joining the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in 2021. During her freshman season, Tiernan made an immediate impact, starting all 25 games and contributing significantly to her team’s success. Her performance earned her the title of Big Ten Freshman of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Riley Tiernan Career
Early Career (2021-2024)
During her time at Rutgers, Tiernan continued to build on her early achievements. In her sophomore season in 2022, she started all 20 games, scoring four goals and providing six assists, which earned her third-team All-Big Ten honors. In 2023, she maintained her strong performance, starting all 20 games and being named second-team All-Big Ten. In her senior season in 2024, she returned to double-digit points, scoring four goals and providing 11 assists in 18 games. By the end of her college career, she left Rutgers as the program’s career assist leader with 34 assists in 83 games.
Breakthrough (2025-Present)
Tiernan’s professional career began in 2025 when she joined Angel City FC as a non-roster trialist during the preseason. Her impressive performances led to her signing a two-year professional contract with the club on March 3, 2025. She made her professional debut on March 16, 2025, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a season-opening draw against the San Diego Wave. Just two weeks later, on March 30, she scored her first professional goal, leading her team to a victory over the Seattle Reign. Her performance continued to shine as she scored her first professional brace on May 2, 2025, in a thrilling match against Washington Spirit.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her rookie season, Tiernan was recognized for her outstanding performances, being named NWSL Rookie of the Month twice and earning a spot on the NWSL Best XI of the Month for May. She finished her inaugural season with eight goals in 26 games, leading her team and all rookies in scoring. Her contributions on the field established her as a key player for Angel City FC and a rising star in the NWSL.
Riley Tiernan Award Nominations
Riley Tiernan has received several nominations throughout her career, particularly during her time at Rutgers and in her rookie season with Angel City FC. Her accolades include being named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and multiple All-Big Ten selections.
Riley Tiernan Awards Won
Tiernan has achieved notable recognition in her soccer career, including being named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2021 and earning All-Big Ten honors four times from 2021 to 2024. In her rookie season with Angel City FC, she was named NWSL Rookie of the Month twice.
Riley Tiernan Family
Riley Tiernan comes from a supportive family that has played a significant role in her soccer journey. Her parents, Robin and Joe Tiernan, have encouraged her passion for the sport, and her sister Madison’s experience in soccer has provided her with valuable insights and mentorship.
Personal Life
While Riley Tiernan maintains a focus on her soccer career, details about her personal life remain private. She is currently dedicated to her professional career with Angel City FC and her development as a player in the NWSL.
