Heather O'Reilly came out of retirement to join Shelbourne for the chance to play in the Champions League and her winner in Slovenia has put the Dublin side within one game of making the second round.
"It's amazing," the 37-year-old American said after the 1-0 first qualifying round victory over ZNK Pomurje. "What a dream come true."
"Playing in the Champions League was a life dream for me and obviously to score the winner was surreal.
"I didn't think it was going to be possible in my career.
"Everybody played super well. It was a total team win. Onward."
A 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬 goal 🔴
— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) August 18, 2022
Three years after hanging up her boots.@HeatherOReilly scores her first goal in the @UWCL as the Reds beat
ZNK Pomurje 1-0.#DublinsFinest | #Since1895 pic.twitter.com/BjeUxxPmCf
The 231-cap international looped a header over the keeper in just the fourth minute to ensure Shels have a winner-takes-all clash against Valur of Iceland on Sunday.
"I knew I had to get it up and over the goalkeeper, and placed it exactly where I meant to place it," she said.
"It was a really physical game and good team spirit from us tonight.
"We'll take this, enjoy the night and then tomorrow, full steam ahead."
