🦇 Gotham FC’s Off-Season Outlook: Core Intact, But Wing Play is the Wish List

The champagne corks have barely settled after Gotham FC’s thrilling run to the NWSL Championship, but the hard work for the 2026 season has already begun. The club have just released their offseason roster decisions, and nothing is too surprising. While the foundation of a championship team remains firmly in place, some crucial areas of concern that we should discuss here.

I. 🚪 Key Departures and Contract Crossroads

Gotham’s initial roster decisions saw only two major exits, but both leave an immediate, noticeable gap in the attack.

Geyse’s Loan Ends: The Brazilian forward returns to Manchester United after her season-long loan concluded. While she often served as a super-sub or injury fill-in, her pace and directness provided a valuable, different look off the bench. Her departure frees up an International Slot but leaves a hole in the attacking depth.
Ella Stevens Departs: Forward Ella Stevens leaves as a free agent. Stevens had moments of brilliance and was a critical part of the title-winning squad, but her non-re-signing signals the club is looking to reshuffle its forward options.
The Midge Purce Question: Perhaps the most impactful attackers in the club’s history, Midge Purce is a free agent, and the club is in ongoing discussions with her. As one of the league’s true difference-making wingers and the 2023 NWSL Championship MVP, re-signing Purce is essentially non-negotiable for the immediate health of the attack.

II. 🛡️ The Championship Core Returns

Gotham FC learned lessons from past rosters and is prioritizing stability, with the club confirming 24 players currently under contract through at least the 2026 season. Crucially, the entire NWSL Championship starting XI appears to be under contract or in talks to return, a remarkable testament to the club’s successful push for contract extensions throughout the 2025 season.

The core is stellar:

The Defense: The 2nd best backline in 2025 anchored by Emily Sonnett, Jess Carter, and Rookie of the Year Lilly Reale remains a brick wall. Considering Tierna Davidson will return at some point early in the 2026 campaign this central core of the defense looks like the league’s best. Taryn Torres should also likely return from an ACL surgery adding much need outside back depth.
The Midfield Engine: The dynamic midfield of Jaelin Howell, Rose Lavelle, Sarah Schupansky and the newly acquired Jaedyn Shaw (signed through 2029!) provides an elite-level mix of defensive grit, creativity, and scoring threat. Young high ceiling players like Josefine Hasbo and Sofia Cook are about as good as depth gets. Taryn Torres is a natural midfielder and if she shall return to form Gotham is as good as it gets here as well.

The Central Attacker Abundance

The current forward list includes Esther González (signed through 2027), Gabi Portilho, and Katie Stengel (signed until end of January), creating an abundance of central attacking options.

This attacking depth could provide a real opportunity for promising rookie Khyah Harper to see more minutes. Harper, who signed an extension through 2026, has already shown flashes of her potential and could prove to be a dark horse option for the front line. Especially with the opening left by Stevens, Geyse, and possibly Midge.

III. 📝 Off-Season Wish List: Exciting Wingers and the Future No. 9

For Gotham FC to evolve from a champion into a sustained dynasty, they must address two major tactical and long-term needs: true wingers and a successor to Esther González.

1. Immediate Need: Dynamic Wingers

Even if Midge Purce re-signs (please, let this happen), she is currently the only true, ankle-breaking and chance creating winger on the roster. Gabi Portilho and Esther González are fantastic central attackers, and the team’s system often relies on outside backs Bruninha and Lilly Reale to provide attacking width.

The wishlist is simple: Gotham should target at least one, preferably two, high-quality, pacey wingers via trade or free agency. This would accomplish two things:

More Direct Attack: Provide consistent one-on-one threats and service into the box.
System Flexibility: Allow players like Jaedyn Shaw or Gabi Portilho to operate more centrally where they are most dangerous, instead of forcing them out wide.

2. Long-Term Need: The Heir Apparent to Esther

Esther González (33 at the start of next season) is a bona fide Golden Boot contender and a vital leader. However, she cannot play forever. With her contract running through 2027, the time is now for Gotham to secure its future at the number 9 position. Gabi has yet proven she can thrive in a central attacking role. Some players take a little more time to adjust to a new league and she has shown flashes of that FIFA best 11 that we hope comes to surface next season. Gotham is also playing across multiple competitions and needs quality depth to compete if Esther isn’t 100 percent. And frankly, Esther shouldn’t be playing every minute. It just isn’t sustainable.

The club should leverage its stability to sign a promising young center-forward who can learn under Esther’s tutelage for a year or two before taking over. This player should be capable of eventually filling the high-volume scoring shoes of Esther, securing the most critical attacking position for the next five years.

The pieces are in place for Gotham FC to have another successful season, but the off-season moves will determine if they simply compete or truly dominate. Adding speed on the wings and planning for the post-Esther era are the moves that will secure the club’s long-term future at the top of the NWSL.

What are your Gotham FC wish list items for 2026?

Soccer Over Gotham

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