Gotham FC ended the 2024 NWSL season in a heartbreaking fashion, losing in penalty kicks in the NWSL semifinals. Since then, Gotham has looked to revamp its roster.
The end of the season saw the Bats make trade packages that included key players from the 2024 season. Delanie Sheehan, Yasmeen Ryan, Sam Hiatt and Lynn Williams are among the names who have parted ways with the club. Each player contributed during the 2024 season, leaving holes that will be hard to fill in 2025.
The Bats have already signed some players to fill the roster spots left. These acquisitions include Sarah Schunpanksy from the University of Pittsburgh, Lilly Reale from the University of California Los Angeles, and international players Gabi Portilho and Stella Nyamekye.
Some current players have also signed contract extensions. Both Mandy Freeman and Jessica Silva signed extensions through 2026 and 2025, respectively. Another player of note who has the option of an extension is Midge Purce, who was sidelined this past season with a torn ACL.
Some of the Gotham departures came as a bit of a shock, as the chemistry of this team was noticeable throughout the season. On the pitch, it was clear that each player trusted the other, and even if sometimes the results were not what they wanted, it was visible that the team stuck together to get the wins they wanted.
Most of the players Gotham parted ways with were starters or had significant roles. This is what makes the exits stick out. The 2024 roster was comprised of players who contributed to the team finishing so high on the table. Overall, it was a great season, so moving some of the more critical pieces looks odd from the outside.
Gotham had its best regular season finish in 2024, finishing the NWSL in third place after finishing the previous season in sixth place. They fell short of the championship game, losing to the Washington Spirit in November. Trying to recreate a top-of-the-table finish and a championship this upcoming season may be tough, but they still have a good enough roster to get there.
