Gotham FC 2025 Roster Thoughts
With retirements, departure of free agents, and trade windows open, what could Gotham's roster look like and 2025 and what are the team's biggest needs?
Earlier this month, NJ/NY Gotham FC today announced the status of its complete roster following the conclusion of the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season.
The team retained 17 players under contract for the 2025 season following the retirements of Sinead Farrelly and Kelley O’Hara and the departure of free agents Maitane (to Chicago), Delanie Sheehan (to Houston), and Sam Hiatt (to Portland).
Gotham’s additional free agents include Michelle Betos, McCall Zerboni, Mandy Freeman, and Midge Purce. Sources have indicated that all four are in talks to return to Gotham, but this does not preclude them from exploring free agency nor does it guarantee that they will return to the club.
Jéssica Silva is a free agent as well, but it is unclear to me at this time what her status is in terms of conversations with the club. Svava Guðmundsdóttir is also a free agent but after a year on an excused absence, it does not appear that the player will rejoin Gotham.
With the departure of Sheehan and Maitane along with the retirement of Sinead Farrelly, the midfield is where Gotham will likely look to fill in some of their remaining roster spots. As I’ve argued all year, Sheehan was the glue and the engine that drove Gotham’s unique style of play, and although she was not a flashy goal scorer, her ability to stay on the ball and direct the midfield will be a big hole to fill.
Rose Lavelle should continue in the role of attacking midfielder while Nealy Martin tackles the defensive side in the six, a role which Maitane sometimes played when she wasn’t slotting in as a center back. I wouldn’t be surprised if Gotham targets another defensive midfielder who can double as a defender or vice versa. Indeed, the ability to play multiple roles seems to be an aspect that Gotham values due to their frequent shifting on the field during games.
To me, Purce is the biggest question mark. Although Yazmeen Ryan flourished in her stead during the season, earning a well-deserved USWNT call up for her efforts, if Purce does not re-sign with the team, it would behoove Gotham to look for another forward or winger to add to its depth charts, even with the addition of young sensation Mak Whitham.
On the defensive side, Gotham may be looking for another versatile player who can slot into the center back position and out wide when needed. With the retirement of Kelley O’Hara and departures of Sam Hiatt and Maitane, Gotham is lacking depth options on the back line. Gotham should hope to retain Mandy Freeman who towards the end of the season demonstrated why she’s been such a mainstay in the league and on the team.
There has been, as with any offseason, chatter of various trades, even ones that might impact the front line at Gotham. Although nothing is certain, it is possible that the striker group could look slightly different than it did in 2024. I also expect Gotham to sign multiple free agents in various positions and I will have that information as it develops.
Stay tuned both here and to my Bluesky account (@jennatonelli across all platforms) for up to date information on trades and signings. While I plan to keep my Twitter/X account, I am hoping to transition away from that place (for all the reasons).
Happy holidays!
A player-by-player contract status can be found below (as of 12/10/2024)
Goalkeepers
^Ann-Katrin Berger: Under Contract
*Michelle Betos: Out of Contract
Cassie Miller: Under Contract
Abby Smith: Under Contract
Defenders
^Bruninha: Under Contract
Jess Carter: Under Contract
Tierna Davidson: Under Contract
*Mandy Freeman: Out of Contract
Sam Hiatt: Mutual Option Not Exercised
Jenna Nighswonger: Under Contract
Kelley O'Hara: Retired
Emily Sonnett: Under Contract
Midfielders
Sinead Farrelly: Retired
Rose Lavelle: Under Contract
^Maitane: Mutual Option Not Exercised
Nealy Martin: Under Contract
Delanie Sheehan: Mutual Option Not Exercised
Taryn Torres: Under Contract
*McCall Zerboni: Out of Contract
Forwards
Crystal Dunn: Under Contract
^Esther: Under Contract
^Svava Guðmundsdóttir: Out of Contract
Cece Kizer: Under Contract
*Midge Purce: Out of Contract
Yazmeen Ryan: Under Contract
*^Jéssica Silva: Out of Contract
Ella Stevens: Under Contract
Lynn Williams: Under Contract
*Indicates Free Agent
^Indicates International Player'
are Gotham really depending on Dunn to contribute for them in 2025 or are they going to find a solution to part ways?
one of the marquee & much publicized stars who signed in the off season was not available to play a game after September this year & nobody knows anything other than Crystal seems fine and is active on social media... could have used that player in the playoffs when JCA was using subs who had less than 100 minutes played for us in the semi final needing a goal.
completely bizarre.
I hope we can keep Midge. With her media aspirations I think Gotham and Angel city have the edge. Teams in other markets could still get her, but probably it would take a big salary offer and I'm not sure how many teams would take that risk with a player coming off an ACL?
If we can't keep Midge I would love to see us take a run at recruiting Gabi Portilho from the Brazilian league.
I personally would love to see us move Jenna N into her natural midfield position and then try to sign a left back or two. We could maybe even look abroad? We have several international spots.