HARRISON, N.J. (January 20, 2022) – NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League announced today that forward Ifeoma Onumonu will return to the club on a one-year contract. Onumonu was drafted 8th overall by the Boston Breakers out the University of California-Berkeley in the 2017 NWSL draft and was traded to Gotham FC (then Sky Blue FC) from OL Reign in January of 2020. “Ify is everything you want in a 9 in this league,” remarked Head Coach Scott Parkinson. “Across goals and assists, she was one of the most productive players in the league. To have her lead our front line for years to come is great news to everyone here at Gotham FC.” Onumonu returns for her sixth season in the NWSL following a stellar 2021 spell that saw her make 25 appearances and 22 starts for Gotham FC. The 27-year-old was a consistent force for the NJ/NY attack whenever on the pitch and was the team’s most balanced scorer with 8 goals and 4 assists on the year. In June of 2021, Onumonu received a call-up to the Nigeria Women’s National Team training camp ahead of three international friendly matches that were a part of U.S. Soccer’s Summer Series. This marked Onumonu’s first call up for the Nigeria Women’s National Team, after previously appearing for the U23 U.S. Women’s National Team.
"I’m really excited to re-sign with Gotham FC," said Onumonu. "From the beginning, this organization has been really good to me and I’m looking forward to fighting for a championship this upcoming season with the excellent group that we have. Can’t wait to get it started!!" Gotham FC begins the pre-season on February 1 before kicking off the 2022 season on Saturday, March 19, with group play for the NWSL Challenge Cup. The Cup will feature three groups of four teams, playing double round-robin matches, semifinals and the NWSL Challenge Cup Final on Saturday, May 7, broadcast on the CBS Television Network and available to stream live on Paramount+.
About NJ/NY Gotham FC: Originally named Sky Blue FC, the Club underwent a major rebrand in April 2021 and officially changed its name to NJ/NY Gotham FC. Representing New Jersey and New York, the Club plays its National Women’s Soccer League home matches at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. The Club has been part of the NWSL since the league launched in 2013. Founded in 2007, Gotham FC originally debuted as Jersey Sky Blue in the W-League of United Soccer Leagues. The Club won its first trophy as Sky Blue FC in 2009 after winning the inaugural Women’s Professional Soccer championship. Most recently, Gotham FC played in the 2021 Challenge Cup Final against the Portland Thorns, the Club’s first ever championship appearance in NWSL competition.
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