This season was full of surprises. One of those surprises was the acquisition of French footballing veteran Gaëtane Thiney on loan from Paris FC. Highlighting the partnership between the two teams. Evelyn Viens was sent to Paris on a successful loan and current Gotham FC player Delaney Sheehan is currently on loan.
On June 8th Gotham FC announced the signing of attacking midfielder Gaëtane Thiney.
“Thiney is an elite player who has been a standout player for both club and country,” said Head Coach Freya Coombe. “She combines calmness in possession with an ability to unlock defenses and a great work rate. I am very happy for her to be making her NWSL debut with Gotham FC.”
Gaëtane was a regular for the French national team and had a played at Paris FC since 2008. Gaëtane scored 135 goals in 235 appearances over her career.
“Gaëtane is a player that we have hoped would be able to join our squad for some time,” said General Manager Alyse LaHue. “Her wealth of international experience and leadership at the highest level will be an invaluable addition to Gotham FC as we continue to evolve as a club. This also continues our friendly collaboration with Paris FC, a relationship that she has been integral in building.”
Gaëtane's arrival marked an interesting turn of events in the season. It was around this time that speculation began about the whereabouts of now former GM Alyse Lahue. To read more about the Alyse Lahue saga please read https://www.soccerovergotham.com/post/the-alyse-lahue-situation-timeline-in-tweets
Gaëtane had a fast start to her tenure at Gotham FC. Putting in a promising performance where she she displayed her attacking flair in almost setting up Zerboni by placing a well chipped ball over the top of defensive blockade.
From then on there was a period of struggle as the midfielder had to adapt to the travel and environment of the new league. Often playing 90 minutes in mid summer games in Houston which is a task for even the most veteran of NWSL players, let alone a player coming from over seas. Her performances dipped and was showing visible signs of slowing down.
Then Gaëtane had dissapeared from the starting lineup after starting a long string of games. That was until October 9th where she made her triumphant return to the lineup in a game against Orlando where she put on display the attacking prowess we were all hoping for this season.
Gaëtane blasted a long range shot early in the match from outside the 18. Catching Harris napping and frankly catching us all by surprise. What followed was a masterful performance where she followed up the first half strike with a beautifully placed free kick again beating the national team keeper Harris.
This season was marred by controversy. The league was plagued with scandal after abuse scandal. Gotham FC had their own fair share of issues. The aforementioned Alyse Lahue was let go by the team after a league investigation into a violation of the anti-harassment policy. Also, Freya Coombe, the head coach was shipped away from the team after it became public knowledge that she had a contract with expansion side Angel City FC and quickly became a distraction to club. Gaëtane's first two points of contact were no longer with the club shortly after arriving.
Gaëtane finished the season with 2 goals and 0 assists. Overall thoughts on her tenure is one of mismanagement and what could have been. Gotham FC rushed her into the lineup too early and the early bulk of minutes and amount of games clearly took a toll on the veteran midfielder. When the player was given a couple games off she returned with a vengeance and her best performance. Perhaps, if the player was given a little more time to adapt to the league and not rushed onto the field we could have seen more of the talent she possesses.
We, as fans thank Gaëtane for her efforts this season and wished this season was not so chaotic for her. She will definitely leave with respect from her teammates and fans. She'll also leave with a ton of stories to tell of her short time here in Gotham. We wish her well.
Gary Gibson