Rookie Farrelly now opening eyes in the pro ranks

Even though she was the second overall pick in the Women's Professional Soccer draft, Independence midfielder Sinead Farrelly has been among the team's most pleasant surprises.

As the team prepares for Sunday's 6 p.m. opener at Rutgers University's Yurcak Stadium against Sky Blue, Farrelly is expected to make a significant impact.

"When you have the second pick, you hope to have a top player, but I didn't realize she would be this good," coach Paul Riley said. "She has been exceptional and has a great mind for the game."

A standout at Haverford High and the University of Virginia, Farrelly is thrilled to begin her professional career with the Independence, playing in her own backyard.

"I am blessed to have the opportunity to be home and playing for a pro team," Farrelly said.

What was most impressive about Farrelly during the preseason was her great touch and her ability to feel pressure from defenders and quickly distribute the ball.

"She is a phenomenal player and never seems to lose the ball and always gets back on tackles," said Independence defender Nikki Krzysik, a teammate of Farrelly's for two seasons at Virginia.

With midfielders Lori Lindsey and Megan Rapinoe likely not playing in the opener after having missed training camp while with the U.S. national team, Farrelly could be one of the team's leading forces in the midfield.

"She has tremendous vision off the ball, is a tremendous passer, and has all the tools to be a top-class midfielder," Riley said. "I would be shocked if she didn't play on the full national team in the next year and a half."

Riley said the physical style in WPS would help Farrelly in her development.

"She needs this year in WPS to prove she can compete with the best players, that she can compete athletically and physically," Riley said.

As a senior at Virginia, Farrelly became the fifth player in school history to be named a first-team National Soccer Coaches Association of America all-American. She had 12 goals and seven assists and was named the Atlantic Coast Conference offensive player of the year. Farrelly became the 10th player in ACC history to be a four-time first-team all-conference selection.

She has competed for the under-23 national team and naturally aspires to one day play for the main national team.

"It's definitely a goal. Everybody who wants to play soccer wants to get to the top," Farrelly said. "Right now I am so happy playing WPS. It's another step above college and I have learned so much. Playing under Paul and the players I am playing with, I will become a better player."

Most of all, she is looking forward to the opener against Sky Blue.

"Everybody is super excited," she said. "Hopefully we'll come out with a win."