EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Gotham FC, with Jenna Tonelli of Sports Illustrated
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NWSL draft abolition impact
Not having a draft has really benefited Gotham a lot. They are able to recruit the top players. They have a top coach. They have a top program now with two championships in three years.
Jordan Dudley scouting report
I've heard chatter around the team that they, if there was a draft, they would have expected Jordan Dudley to be the number one pick.
Gotham FC injury and roster updates
Lily Real got hurt at U.S. Women's National Team Camp and was sent home. Bruninha sustained a knock with Brazil. Gabby Portilio was transferred to the San Diego Wave. And Tierna Davidson is sporting a new haircut and a brand new clean bill of health off the SCI list.
Gotham FC squad depth
I think this is the deepest and maybe most talented Gotham team of all time.
NWSL title race predictions
I have Gotham in fourth. I think that Washington is more complete and more properly built to win right now.
I have Gotham in second and I think it's really fine margins here. Second is inclusive of, if they end up in fifth or sixth that would be a little surprising, but fourth would not be surprising at all to me.
Rose Lavelle's impact on Gotham FC
Was Rose Lavelle critical in getting them into the playoffs? No, she barely played. But was she a crucial piece during the playoffs? I would say yes. Maybe even the difference maker.
Gotham FC roster age distribution
Gotham have seven active players who are going into their age 30 or older season. That's more than anybody else in the league. They also have five active players who are going into their age 21 or younger season.
Esther Gonzalez's role and fitness
I think if Esther stays healthy she does [have the full tank for 2000 minutes], but that's the big caveat. Having Shaw and Lavelle for a full season will relieve Esther of some burdens of athleticism.
Gotham FC roster stability
This is the least amount of turnover that I've seen season to season that this team has had in the last five years. It's really consistent.
