With a renewed energy and vision NJ/NY Gotham announced their 29-player preseason roster. The roster includes NWSL champion, World Cup players, key contributors and more. The franchise also revealed plans to train at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. from Feb 8- March 3.
Gotham FC will be led by head coach Juan Carlos Amoros and his staff. Up next for the ladies will be closed-door scrimmages against the Orlando Pride on Feb 18 and the Chicago Red Stars on March 2.
“The talented group of players that we have assembled are a reflection of the exciting new direction we are moving as a club,” said General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch. “With the facilities and resources at IMG Academy, as well as the competitive matches against league opponents, we look forward to providing the best preparations for the players of Gotham FC and for the NWSL season ahead.”
Here is the Pre-Season roster that will be in play for 2023:
Goalkeepers (4): Michelle Betos, Hensley Hancuff (NYR), Abby Smith, Mandy Haught
Defenders (9): Bruninha (INTL), Imani Dorsey, Kristen Edmonds, Sabrina Flores, Mandy Freeman, Ellie Jean, Ali Krieger, Nealy Martin, Kelley O’Hara
Midfielders (10): Iliana Hocking (DRAFT), Nahomi Kawasumi (INTL), Allie Long, Kristie Mewis, Victoria Pickett, Yazmeen Ryan, Delanie Sheehan, Taryn Torres, McCall Zerboni, Sinead Farrelly (NRI)
Forwards (6): Svava Rós Guðmundsdóttir (INTL), Jenna Nighswonger (DRAFT),
Midge Purce, Ifeoma Onumonu, Taylor Smith, Lynn Williams
INTL: Denotes International Player
NRI: Non-Roster Invitee
NYR: Not Yet Reported
DRAFT: 2023 NWSL Draft Pick
This 2023 roster will feature 2022 NWSL champions Abby Smith and Yazmeen Ryan, two-time FIFA World Cup champion and 2021 NWSL champion Kelly O’Hara of the U.S. Women’s National Team. In addition, Lynn Williams is a USWNT forward and a three-time NWSL Champion.
One of the future stars for Gotham FC is forward Jenna Nighswonger who had an outstanding college career in Florida State University. The Forward was drafted by Gotham FC as the fourth overall pick in 2023 NWSL Draft along with fourth-round pick Iliana Hocking from the University of Arizona.
Fans will be excited to see favorites, Ifeoma Onumonu, Magaret “Midge” Purce and Taylor Smith returning to the pre-season roster; as well as midfielders Nahomi Kawasumi, Allie Long, Kristie Mewis, Victoria Pickett, Delanie Sheehan, Taryn Torres, and McCall Zerboni; defenders Bruninha, Imani Dorsey, Sabrina Flores (who signed through 2023 with an option), Mandy Freeman, Ellie Jean and Ali Krieger; and goalkeeper Michelle Betos.
Local area product Kristen Edmonds will have an opportunity to play in front of her hometown. Mandy (McGlynn) Haught makes her triumphant return to Gotham FC after a season away to compete in Sweden’s top-division league. In addition, the franchise will welcome defender Nealy Martin and Svava Rós Guðmundsdóttir.
Goalkeeper Hensley Hancuff will help to lead the team in the preseason in the goalkeeper position, as the franchise was able to sign Hancuff on loan with Brisbane Roar FC in Australia.
For more information on Gotham FC fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:
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