Gary Gibson
12/11/2024
How does Gotham FC follow up the best follow up regular season by a cup winning squad? By continuing to be a destination team and attracting the best free agents available.
After losing Delanie Sheehan, Sam Hiatt, and Maitane Lopez, already in free agency there are some holes to fill. Gotham has currently 17 players on roster (18 if you count wunderkind McKenna Whitham who's contract starts January 1st). Roster limits are 26 players. Therefore there are 8 roster spots up for grabs.
Gotham has 8 free agents. 2 are retired (Farrelly, O'hara). 2 players are over 36 (Zerboni, Betos). 1 player definitely not coming back (Gudmundsdottir). Leaving 3 players with reasonable shots at returning (Purce, Freeman, Silva). Rumor has it both Freeman and Purce are in negotiations with the club but have other offers.
Gotham proved last year that they scout well and look for players that have undervalued potential at their current clubs (Stevens, Hiatt). They are also a team that likes to have depth and pursues players that can start for other clubs. Which is why 2 of the first 3 free agent signings came from the club. All three of their departures in free agency will most likely have starting roles with their new clubs. They also like to target 25-27 year old players who have some experience in the league but have not hit their potential (Hiatt, Stevens, Kizer)
Let's look for 3 Gotham type players in free agency and figure out why they would be a good fit.
Full list of free agents and tracker: https://www.spotrac.com/nwsl/free-agents/_/year/2025
Gotham FC: 3 Free Agents They Should Target
Tatumn Milazzo
Defender (Chicago Stars Football Club)
* Why they are a good fit:
Gotham may lose Hiatt, Lopez, Freeman, in free agency. Leaving them thin at a crucial spot. Let's face it. With two national team starters at the center back position there will be minutes. Tatumn is a rock solid defender. 99th percentile for center backs in tackles in the defensive third, dribblers tackled, and clearances. Gotham got immediate fan favorite Ella Stevens from Chicago. Tatumn could also see a ascendance in Gotham.
Maya Doms
Midfielder (Bay FC)
* Why they are a good fit:
Standout Stanford Cardinal midfielder that played with some of the best NWSL players. We are talking being the captain of teams with Girma and Macario. Doms still stood out for her leadership, ball playing ability, and knack for finding the ball in the box. Senior year she scored a team-best 12 goals and assisted on six more. Scoring a goals every other game. With Delanie Sheehan heading to Houston, Doms can be a similar presence in the midfield. And she wouldn't have to right away. She is only 23.
Amira Ali
Forward (San Diego Wave)
* Why they are a good fit:
Very Gotham player. Front foot attacker who was in the 92nd percentile in tackles and 99 percentile in interceptions. Similar age and profile to Ella Stevens. Gotham's forwards need high motors and the ability to close down space and press high. She is capable of all that and more. Does help that she is from Vorhees, NJ and went to Rutgers.
Gotham FC has a challenging task ahead of them in reloading their squad. However, by targeting the right free agents, they can address their weaknesses and build a competitive team for the upcoming season.
Bonus free agents. (Just for fun).
If Gotham needs a keeper, why not Sydney Schneider? Jamaican national team keeper. Attended South Brunswick, NJ high school. Only 25 with room to grow.
Also, why not Kerolin?! Alright, I'll see myself out.
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