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HARRISON, NJ (Monday, February 6, 2023) – Stepping into a bold new vision for 2023, NJ/NY Gotham FC today announced the club’s revamped 29-player preseason roster that features NWSL champions, World Cup champions, key returning contributors, and stars of national teams from around the world. The club also revealed plans to train at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. from Feb. 8-March 3, after kicking off preseason training today in New Jersey.
Under the direction of head coach Juan Carlos Amorós and his new technical staff, Gotham FC’s preseason schedule will include closed-door scrimmages against two NWSL opponents -- the Orlando Pride on Feb.18 and 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.”
2023 Gotham FC Pre-Season Roster (29 players)
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
About the Gotham FC Roster
Among the latest additions to the team are 2022 NWSL champions Abby Smith and Yazmeen Ryan, two-time FIFA World Cup champion and 2021 NWSL champion Kelley O’Hara of the U.S. Women’s National Team, and USWNT forward Lynn Williams – a three-time NWSL champion. Florida State University forward Jenna Nighswonger joins the club as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft alongside fourth-round pick midfielder Iliana Hocking from the University of Arizona.
Key returning standouts include forwards Ifeoma Onumonu, Margaret “Midge” Purce, and Taylor Smith; 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.
New Jersey native Kristen Edmonds signed as a free agent, and after a season away to compete in Sweden’s top-division league, goalkeeper Mandy (McGlynn) Haught has returned to Gotham FC. Defender Nealy Martin comes to Gotham FC after spending her first two seasons with Racing Louisville FC, and most recently, Svava Rós Guðmundsdóttir, a forward with the Iceland Women’s National Team, was signed to a two-year contract.
Gotham FC will begin the preseason without goalkeeper Hensley Hancuff, who remains on loan with Brisbane Roar FC in Australia.
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ABOUT NJ/NY GOTHAM FC
Representing New Jersey and New York, Gotham FC plays its home matches in the National Women’s Soccer League at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. The club, which rebranded as Gotham FC in 2021, has been part of the NWSL since the league launched in 2013. The team won the inaugural Women’s Professional Soccer championship in 2009. Most recently, Gotham FC advanced to the 2021 Challenge Cup Final – the club’s first-ever championship appearance in NWSL competition.
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