Madison Tiernan: “My love for the game remains the same. This time around, I’ll be teaching and inspiring the next generation of girls to reach for the stars and to make their dreams, reality.” (Photo courtesy of Sky Blue FC)

HARRISON, N.J. – Sky Blue FC midfielder Madison Tiernan Tuesday announced her retirement from professional soccer at the age of 25.

Tiernan entered the National Women’s Soccer League in 2017 and finished her career with five goals two assists in 44 appearances.

She will move to the other side of the lines and focus on her coaching career.

Tiernan is a youth coach for Players Development Academy and recently named to the 30 Under 30 Promising Young Coaches list by EDP Soccer.

“My love for the game remains the same,” Tiernan said in statement. “This time around, I’ll be teaching and inspiring the next generation of girls to reach for the stars and to make their dreams, reality.”

She felt it was time to move.

“The time has come for my next chapter,” Tiernan said. “There are not enough thanks in the world for the people in my circle; my family, friends, every coach that has influenced my game, and of course every single teammate I’ve had the pleasure of playing alongside. To the fans, especially the Jitney Crew and Cloud9ers, thank you for showing up consistently and always being in my corner. I am so grateful to have played this game for as long as I have. I’m going out so proud of the woman I’ve become.”

A South Jersey native, Tiernan was selected by Sky Blue FC in the third round of the 2017 NWSL College Draft. The Rutgers University alumna made her debut in the second match of her rookie season. Tiernan scored her first professional goal ten matches later against the Chicago Red Stars.

“Madison’s infectious enthusiasm has always been a guiding light for this club, even when sidelined by injury.” Sky Blue general manager Alyse LaHue said in a statement. “She will always remain a special part of this club and Sky Blue is wishing her prosperity and joy in the next steps of her life. We are thrilled to see her continue her career in soccer, just in new roles.”

Tiernan last played for Sky Blue in 2018. She missed the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup with an ankle injury after she was sidelined from 2019 campaign with a torn ACL. In 2018, Tiernan started 15 of her 22 appearances and scored two goals while notching one assist.

“Madison has been a fantastic team player at Sky Blue both on and off the pitch,” head coach Freya Coombe said. “She will continue to be a great coach and I wish her every success for the future.”

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.