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Gotham FC Continues UCLA Pipeline with Signing of Midfielder Sophia Cook

Writer's picture: Gary GibsonGary Gibson

Updated: 4 days ago


Gary Gibson

01/30/2025

Producer


HARRISON, NJ – Gotham FC announced today the signing of midfielder Sophia Cook to a two-year contract through the 2026 season, with a mutual option for 2027. Cook joins fellow UCLA Bruins Ryan Campbell (GK) and Lily Reale (CB), in transitioning to the professional ranks with Gotham.


Cook, a dynamic and creative midfielder, was a key contributor to UCLA's success in 2024. The Bruins, coming off a National Championship in 2022, continued their dominance, showcasing a potent blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity.


There have been 3 versions of Gotham in 3 seasons with Yael Averbuch showing that her club knows how to build teams and she knows how to scout players. Every player has been brought in to fill a specific role. In 2023, Gotham was all about winning now and built a roster that was one of the oldest in the league. Filling the roster with veteran players such as Krieger, Zerboni, and Betos. The age of the roster made it's build unsustainable. In 2024, Gotham built a super team. Bringing in National team stars in Sonnett, Davidson, Dunn, and Rose Lavelle. Also brought in international such as Berger and Carter. The contracts and bonus structure made this roster unsustainable. In 2025 Gotham has built a much younger and complimentary roster to their stars. Yet, this roster does not lack in quality. They have brought in a bunch of rookies that have high ceilings and that can compete now and carry the team forward for many years. This roster build IS sustainable.


Gotham went out to the west coast to bring in some talented rookies from an unbelievably talented UCLA team to start this sustainable, younger roster build. Here is an introduction to the new players.


Key Strengths of the UCLA Signees:

  • Ryan Campbell (GK): A commanding presence in goal, Campbell possesses excellent shot-stopping ability and strong leadership qualities. Ryan had an exceptional season, leading the nation with 16 shutouts (second-most in UCLA history). A fourth-team All-American, she started every game, played every minute, and posted a 17-4-3 record with a 0.41 GAA. Her 519 consecutive shutout minutes nearly broke the school record. She earned numerous accolades, including Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Week and spots on various watch lists and preseason teams.



  • Lily Reale (CB): A dominant force in the backline, Reale is renowned for her physicality, aerial prowess, and composure on the ball. She is a vocal leader and a key organizer of the defense.A first-team All-American, All-Region, and All-Big Ten selection, she was also a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist and three-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Starting all 23 games, she contributed a goal and two assists while leading UCLA's top-ranked defense (0.415 GAA, 16 shutouts). She was named to numerous Best XI teams and watch lists, and was the nation's top-rated player midseason. Her honors include Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and Academic All-Big Ten. UCLA's record during her four years was 71-9-7.



  • Sophia Cook (MF): A creative and intelligent midfielder, Cook possesses excellent vision, passing range, and a knack for scoring crucial goals. Her versatility and ability to dictate the tempo of the game will be crucial for Gotham's midfield. First-team All-Region and All-Big Ten, and Academic All-Big Ten selection. She tied for the team lead with four goals, three of which were game-winners. Played in 17 games, starting 13.



What they bring to Gotham:


The addition of these talented UCLA graduates signifies Gotham FC's commitment to building a competitive and exciting team for years to come. The infusion of young, talented, and proven collegiate players will bring a fresh energy and a winning mentality to the squad. Gotham will be able to build their own stars.


The combination of their individual strengths and the winning culture they cultivated at UCLA makes this group of players a valuable asset to Gotham FC as they strive for success in the 2025 NWSL season.


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