Gold medalist O’Reilly to address fans prior to Falcons game

Date: 3/20/2014

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Falcons announced Tuesday that Heather O’Reilly, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist with the United States Women’s National soccer team, will address fans and media representatives in Meeting Room 2 of the MassMutual Convention Center on March 22 at 5:30 p.m. The address, courtesy of Western Mass Pioneers, will include a question-and-answer session with the audience, will be open to the public and is free of charge.

O’Reilly is appearing at the Falcons home game versus the Manchester Monarchs Saturday, performing the ceremonial puck drop and signing autographs on the concourse from 7 to 8 p.m.

A native of East Brunswick, N.J., O’Reilly was the youngest member of the United States Women’s National Team in 2004 that won the Gold Medal in Athens. She scored the game-winning goal in the semi-final match against Germany, propelling the team into the final, which they won over Brazil. O’Reilly and the USWNT proceeded to win the Gold Medal at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics as well.

In addition to three Olympic Gold Medals, O’Reilly won two NCAA national championships at the University of North Carolina, as well as a Bronze Medal (2007) and a Silver Medal (2011) at the World Cup. In 2006, she was named the NCAA National Player of the Year and NCAA tournament MVP. As a member of SKY Blue FC in 2009, the midfielder won the first ever WPS championship and was named final MVP.

The Falcons return to action Friday, March 21 when they visit the Worcester Sharks at the DCU Center. The team is back at the MassMutual Center on March 22 to host the Manchester Monarchs at 7 p.m. and March 23 to host the St. John’s IceCaps at 3 p.m.

Also, on behalf of the Springfield Falcons Charitable Foundation, the wives and girlfriends of Falcons players will sell autographed puck grab bags on the concourse at the team’s home game March 22. The proceeds from the sale will benefit the YWCA of Western Massachusetts.

Each grab bag will include an autographed, limited-edition Charitable Foundation puck and a coupon for a free Friendly’s kid’s meal. One in every 10 bags will also include a special prize. Prizes include coupons and gift cards from Starbucks, Karoun Yoga, Dunkin’ Donuts, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Max Restaurant Group, Villa Napoletana, Artioli Chrysler Dodge, tickets to Xtreme International Ice Racing at the MassMutual Center and a number of autographed Falcons gear.

The YWCA delivers groundbreaking programs offering shelter, support, and self-sufficiency for the women and girls of Western Massachusetts. From safe places for battered women and their children to job training for young adults, the YWCA responds with commitment and thoroughness.