Gotham FC Rebuilds Squad Aiming for Another NWSL Title as Favorites

How Gotham FC Reconfigured Rosters to Reach New NWSL Title Peak

When Gotham FC won the NWSL title for the second time in three years, Averbuch West decided on organizational transformation. Her role demands continuous high performance. Postseason preparation requires tough personnel evaluations of both the roster and coaching staff. „This is very important psychologically,”Averbuch West told The Guardian. „We must know exactly what to do. For us, it is constant evolution. There is no room for complacency.”Despite recent titles and being the lowest-signing team in 2023 and 2025, Gotham never finished higher than third in 17 years in the NWSL or WPS. This trend broke in 2026 when they won the NWSL Shield last weekend. Averbuch West and coach Juan Carlos Amorós sought more consistency. Amorós added, „A big change came, especially from Europe, where we understand the importance of league victories.”Their goal was to prove consistency, not just win trophies.

Averbuch West defined the bar as finishing in the top four every season. The 2026 squad was built to meet this goal. They started with US's top midfield talents, Rose Lavelle and Jaedyn Shaw. Key players included Midge Purce, Jaelin Howell, Tierna Davidson, and Emily Sonnett. Ann-Katrin Berger remained a top goalkeeper, and Esther González was a top scorer. Savannah McCaskill joined as an experienced midfielder. Three young international prospects were signed. Jordynn Dudley quickly became a sensation before her October contract fracture. Teagan Wy, a future USWNT keeper prospect, joined as a supporter for Berger. Andrea Kitahata shone at Stanford. It is almost impossible to have the perfect amount of talent, Averbuch West noted. Either too much competition or too many gaps. Health issues can also hinder the team. I dislike the word 'depth'; we have an unusual talent pool of 20 niche players.

Fundamental Changes in Team Formation

Anyone among the young players could start and succeed. Previously, lack of talent was not an issue. Amorós and the players focused on sustainable play and greater match control. By mid-May, Gotham led the league with 58% average possession. However, they were fourth in the standings, with an average expected goals rate of eight. Opponents focused on limiting González's service, defending deep.

Deals and Injuries Affecting the Team

Gotham decided to sign Sam Kerr, the club's all-time top scorer, who was a free agent from Chelsea. The key question was how much top-caliber attackers could be given playing time. Averbuch West stated, „I will try to give Amorós as many challenges as possible with the roster we build, as he must solve how everything fits. But people have lives and families; situations change. We adapt, and I expect that.”On July 20, Amorós took paternity leave. Forty-five days later, after Lilly Reale—the 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Year and US Soccer player—moved to Boston for allocation funds, Kerr joined the club. This sequence marked a major shift in the team's makeup.

Sonnett, the indispensable leader and skilled defender, was ruled out with a left patellar tendon tear late in the season. Additionally, World Cup champion and two-time Best XI selection Esther González terminated her contract on July 27. Averbuch West wished Esther and her family well as she returned to Spain. Less than a month later, reports surfaced that González found a new club in Saudi Arabia, not Spain. This change was difficult to process. Yet, club leaders showed no resentment. Amorós said, „I believe Esther is a legend of this club. We always say 'we are people first, not professionals.' Her situation was a time of change. We must respect and appreciate what she did for the club, wish her well, and know her life is beyond football.”Averbuch West added, „It is not easy to adjust to losing a player like Esther. She is clearly one of the best players.”