Gotham FC Gears Up for Summer Cup Without National Teamers.

Gary Gibson

Producer:

07/11/2024

Gotham FC Gears Up for Summer Cup Without National Teamers

Gotham FC will be shorthanded for the upcoming NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup due to national team call-ups. Here's a look at how they might line up without their international stars, along with some potential areas of need in the transfer window.

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Keeper:

Missing: Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany)

Strengths: Veteran leadership. Both Cassie Miller and Michelle Betos are capable starters in this league. Miller started this season as a starter for the injured Abby Smith and performed well with one of the lowest goals against averages in the league.

Weakness: None

Alternatives: Bringing in a youth keeper to fill the third keeper spot. Abby Smith could return at any point. Still no word on her return from injury.

Defense:

Missing: Tierna Davidson (USA), Jenna Nighswonger (USA), and Emily Sonnett (USA)

Strengths: Flexibility and depth. The team has a lot of flexibility with players like Maycee Bell, Mandy Freeman, and Kristen Edmonds who can slot as center backs or outside backs. Gotham could turn to Maitane Lopez and Sam Hiatt who have experience playing together this season. 2 games paired together against powerhouse teams such as Portland and KC, giving up just 1 goal.

Weakness: Left back. Taryn Torres has limited minutes and is a converted box to box midfielder. Edmonds, Hiatt, Bruninha could slot in 

Alternative options: Bell, Edmonds, Freeman at center back pushing Lopez back into defensive midfield giving depth and options. 

Midfield:

Missing: Rose Lavelle (USA)

Strengths: The midfield remains mostly intact with the club retaining the starting 3 from the championship run. Delanie Sheehan, Nealy Martin, and Yazmeen Ryan will most likely get the start here. However, outside of them there will be players slotting in from forward or defense. 

 Weakness: Depth. Will need to fortify this position from elsewhere on the roster.

Alternative Options: McCall Zerboni might be ready for more time as she works back from ACL surgery. Lopez dropped into defensive midfield. With Freeman seemingly the first option at right back, the attack minded outside back Bruninha has been utilized as a midfielder. Torres, a natural box to box midfielder could slot back into the midfield. Esther can slot back but that leaves the attack very thin.   

Forwards:

Missing: Crystal Dunn (USA) and Lynn Williams (USA)

Strengths: Remember that game where Freeman was thrust into striker due to lack of options? Three natural options remain. All very good ones. Katie Stengel, Esther, and Ella Stevens have proven to be excellent attacking options. However, a switch to a 4-4-2 may be in order with none of them being a right winger. 

Weaknesses: Injuries and right wing options. Esther has missed recent games with a foot injury, and with no timetable to return we can’t say for certain she’ll be ready for Chicago. That leaves Stengel and Stevens as the only attacking options. 

Alternative options: Ryan can move to right wing in a 4-3-3. But her absence in midfield means more moving parts. Bruninha could also be a long shot at right wing. 

Position of Need:

Areas of need are alternative options in the attack from wide areas. Or a creative midfielder that can play a final ball and press. An experienced player who can  orchestrate attacks and distribute the ball effectively would be a valuable addition to the squad, especially considering the team's championship aspirations.

Gotham does have a roster spot open, but who knows if the club has the financial flexibility to make a move given the money spent on the current roster. There are such mechanisms as national team replacement players, but given that the USL Super League has cornered the market on those types of players, I doubt they’ll be able to swing any of those players. Why would a player take a temporary contract over a permanent one with the USL? Maybe a return of wunderkind Makenna Whitham?

What do you think, fans? Let us know which line-up you like better or what position of need do you think needs addressing.

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