Gary Gibson
Producer, editor, host
The off-season is always a whirlwind of activity in the NWSL, and Gotham FC is no exception. As the team prepares for the challenges that lie ahead in the 2025 season, I'll be closely monitoring every roster move – from exciting new signings to heartbreaking departures. This blog will not only track the comings and goings but also delve into the potential impact of each decision on the team's overall strategy and chances of success. Join me as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of Gotham FC's roster and anticipate 2025.
Current Roster Size: 24 of 26
Internationals: 6 of 7 (Bruninha, Berger, Esther, Nyamekye, Portilho, Silva)
Stadium: Sports Illustrated Stadium. Harrison, NJ (25,000 seats)
Latest Update: 02/05/2024
02/05 Gotham Resigns FWD Midge Purce for 1 year.
Upcoming Important offseason dates:
Primary Transfer Window goes from January 28th until March 24th
No later than February 5th: 40-player Preseason Roster Deadline; League must receive rosters by 12pm EST; Trialist Agreements out for signature
Preseason schedule:
Feb. 8: Friendly vs. SK Brann (Closed-Door Match)
Feb. 14: Friendly vs. FC Nordsjælland (Closed-Door Match)
Feb. 26: Friendly vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC at 7 p.m. ET
Mar. 2: Friendly vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC at 6 p.m. ET
Roster Moves
Incoming:
FWD McKenna “Mak” Whitham through 2028 via the NWSL’s U-18 Entry Mechanism. The guaranteed contract will be effective beginning January 1, 2025.
DEF Mandy Freeman re-signed until 2026
MID Jaelin Howell plus $70,000 in allocation money and a 2025 international roster spot.
FWD: Sarah Schupansky from the University of Pittsburgh to a multi-year contract through 2026, with a team option for 2027.
MID Stella Nyamekye from Dreamz Ladies FC of the Ghana Women’s Premier League, in exchange for an undisclosed transfer fee. Nyamekye signed a 3-year contract through 2027, with a mutual option for 2028.
MID Gabi Portilho from Corinthians on a free transfer until 26 with option for 27
FWD Jessica Silva extended until June 2025
GK Shelby Hogan 27
DEF Lilly Reale 27
FWD Khyah Harper 25
GK Ryan Campbell 25
FWD Midge Purce 25
Outgoing:
MID Delanie Sheehan (Houston)
MID Maitane Lopez (Chicago)
DEF Sam Hiatt (Portland)
DEF Kelley O'hara (Retirement)
MID Sinead Farrelly (Retirement)
FWD Lynn Williams (Seattle)
GK Cassie Miller (Seattle)
MID Yazmeen Ryan (Houston)
MID McCall Zerboni (Free Agent)
GK Abby Smith (Houston)
GK Michelle Betos (Retirement)
DEF Jenna Nighswonger (Arsenal)
FWD Crystal Dunn (PSG)
Roster Rumors
None
Players under contract (end of current contract)
GK: 3
Ann-Katrin Berger 26
Shelby Hogan 27
Ryan Campbell 25
DEF: 6
Bruninha INTL 25
Tierna Davidson 26
Jess Carter 26 INTL
Emily Sonnett 26
Mandy Freeman 26
Lilly Reale 27
MID: 6
Nealy Martin 26
Rose Lavelle 26
Taryn Torres 26
Jaelin Howell 25
Stella Nyamekye 27 option for 28
Sophia Cook 26 option for 27
FWD: 9
Gabi Portilho 26 option for 27
Esther Gonzalez INTL 25 + mutual option
Ella Stevens 25 + mutual option
Cece Kizer 25
Sarah Schupansky 26, + mutual option for 2027.
Jessica Silva 25 (June 30th)
McKenna “Mak” Whitham 28
Khyah Harper 25
MIdge Purce 25
Season Ending Injury:
None
Contract term explainer:
INTL: International player roster spot
SEI: Season ending injury
TERMS:
Free Agent: any player that has a contract expiring is a free agent according to the new CBA
Option year: When the contract is expired, the team which contract is held with can choose to extend that contract an additional season. New contracts post CBA are now mutual options where player has also a say in the extension.
Analysis:
12/20/24: getting Mandy Freeman re-signed is a big deal. A mainstay at Gotham who is versatile and gives this club a ton of options.
The prospect of Howell joining Gotham is exciting. With the loss of Sheehan, there was a big hole in the center of the park. Jaelin is a national team level player who can be a great box to box player alongside Martin who can free up Lavelle and be a scoring threat herself.
Gaining an international spot is intriguing. Last season it seemed Gotham traded those away. Here is to hoping Gotham has plans to use it.
Gotham had Crystal Dunn on personal leave for the last half of the season. Whether she is good to go or is staying at Gotham remains to be seen That leaves Gotham thin with attackers. Moves must be made.
Gotham now has a keeper spot open for Betos, should she be slated to return.
12/24
Stella is a rising talent and considered a prodigy. Gotham secures a player that you can build around.
12/26
Ryan leaves a big hole in the attack, but record-breaking fee should give the club flexibility to resign Midge and other attackers. 7 roster spots open. Gotham can make some moves and had the flexibility to do so with the influx in cash.
12/28
3 years ago. Maybe even 2. Would a FIFA best 11 players be coming to Gotham?! This is a huge deal for the league and Gotham keeps raising the bar. Gabi can play in midfield, out right (like Ryan), or as a striker. How Gotham lines up in 2025 is a complete mystery. Another season of "how do you get all these players on the field at the same time?". Gotham is a destination team. It's solidified.
Follow us on all socials: BlueSky, Twitter, Instagram, Threads for real time updates
The roster tracker will be updated regularly throughout the season.
New Episodes periodically throughout the offseason on YouTube and wherever audio podcasts are found.
02/05
We're sooooo back!
02/06
Gotham is forward heavy. With the final 2 spots on the roster Gotham should bring in 1 midfielder and defender. Outside back is thin. With only Bruninha and possibly Torres in reserve. The Midfield is solid but could use another player who is ready to play now. A lot of unproven players such as Cook, Nyamekye, and Torres the depth options.
Gotham is also very right sided on the attack. How do you get Gabi, Purce, and Lavelle on the field at the same time unless Gotham switches from the usual 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2.
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