The 5 Most Important Players for Gotham FC's Playoff Run

Gary Gibson

09/22/2025

With the playoffs on the horizon, Gotham FC is looking to get back to their championship aspirations. As Gotham is on the cusp of the playoffs, certain players will need to step up if the team hopes to make another deep postseason run.

Here are the five most important players as Gotham FC heads into the playoffs.

Rose Lavelle: The Creative Engine

When it comes to moments of pure, unscripted brilliance, no one on the Gotham roster is quite like Rose Lavelle. Her role as the team's creative engine is paramount, as she possesses the unique ability to create goals out of nothing. Her soccer IQ and knack for having the ball "find her" in crucial moments are unmatched. Lavelle has a history of performing in the biggest games, famously scoring the game-clinching goal in a World Cup final and nearly turning the NWSL championship game on its head with a late goal against Gotham. As Gotham looks to break down stubborn playoff defenses, her inventiveness and ability to unlock a low block will be essential.

Esther González: The Consistent Goal Scorer

No team can win a championship without someone who can consistently put the ball in the back of the net. For Gotham FC, that player is Esther González. The Spanish forward has been in stellar form all season, leading the league in goals and being a top contender for the Ballon d'Or, a testament to her standing as one of the world's best. With nearly half of the team's goals to her name, she is the sole consistent attacking threat. Having previously scored the game-winning goal in a championship match and competed on the biggest stages, González is a clutch player who consistently rises to the occasion.

Jaelen Howell: The Midfield General

Jaelen Howell is the engine of the Gotham midfield and is having a career-defining season. She ranks third on the team in goals and is a tackling machine, a testament to her dominance in the center of the park. Howell's job in the playoffs is twofold: she must continue her incredible work rate, winning duels and shielding the defense, and she must also provide a threat from distance. Her leadership will also be critical as she helps new signing Jaedyn Shaw get acclimated and find her place in the team's system.

Emily Sonnett: The Defensive Anchor

"Defense wins championships." This old adage rings especially true for a Gotham team that thrives on a high-pressure system. Leading the defensive line is veteran Emily Sonnett. She stepped into a crucial role previously held by the legendary Ali Krieger, and her presence has provided a rock-solid foundation for the team. In a high-pressing scheme, mistakes can be costly, but Sonnett's exceptional passing accuracy—at 89 percent—helps mitigate risk and maintain possession. The backline has been a key strength for Gotham this season, giving up the second-fewest goals in the league, and Sonnett's leadership and calm passing are a big reason why.

Midge Purce: The Game-Breaking Winger

Midge Purce is the only true winger on the Gotham roster, and her specific skill set is invaluable. She is the team's best player at getting to the endline and delivering dangerous balls into the box. Purce thrives in the spotlight and embraces pressure, as she showed in the 2023 championship game, where she earned MVP honors with two crucial assists, including one that came from a signature run to the endline. When Midge is in form, no outside back can contain her. Her ability to consistently stretch the field and break open a compact, low-blocking defense will be critical for Gotham as they navigate the pressure-filled playoff atmosphere.