Gary Gibson
Producer
12/17/2023
The Gotham FC made it through the expansion draft nearly unscathed.
Gotham lost:
Keeper: Mandy Haught
Defender: Ellie Jean
Draft picks: 2nd and 3rd round
To see Gotham FC’s roster status and follow along with the off season moves, bookmark this page: https://www.soccerovergotham.com/post/2024-gotham-fc-moves-and-roster-tracker
Let's discuss the roster needs for the 2024 season post expansion draft. This depends on some key factors, including the status of certain free agents and potential trades. However, based on the current roster, here are some areas where the team could use bolstering:
Goalkeeper: Michelle Betos is a free agent, and although signing her back makes sense for leadership and coaching up a young keeper, exploring other options for potential depth is needed. Gotham needs to bring in at least one keeper behind starter Abby Smith returning from injury.
Center-back: Captain Ali Krieger has officially retired. Ellie Jean has moved on. Leaving just Kristen Edmonds, Maitane Lopez, and Mandy Freeman as center back depth. Adding one more reliable defender, especially with experience on the ball, could strengthen the backline.
Outside back: Jean and Dorsey have left. This season's rookie of the year, Jenna Nighswonger’s arrival on the national team is a much deserved honor. She locked down the position immediately after her first start. However, this could mean losing the talented left back for large portions of the season. National team games will go at least into the early parts of the season. The She Believes cup and Olympics are on tap for 2024. Edmonds can fill in, but that will stretch the back line thin.
On the other side, both Bruninha and O’Hara could be in national team camp. Expect Gotham to go out and get depth here.
Winger/forward: Similar to Bruninha and Nighswonger. The entire front line of Purce, Williams and Esther could be heading to the olympics. Gotham lacked consistent scoring threats last season. Stengel helps centrally. A pacey winger who can stretch defenses or a clinical finisher opposite Taylor Smith could boost their offensive output.
Veteran leadership: Losing Ali Krieger's experience is a blow. Also, Allie Long and McCall Zerboni are free agents. Bringing in another veteran player with championship pedigree could help guide and stabilize the team, especially if key younger players are still developing. Recent rumors of Gotham being in the Crystal Dunn destination sweepstakes would be welcome if they pull it off.
Depth throughout the roster: Tournaments and injuries and fatigue can derail any team. Ensuring adequate depth, particularly in midfield and defense, is crucial for competing throughout the season. Gotham saw how important Stengel was during the world cup break.
Gotham’s draft strategy: Gotham proved you only need 1 draft pick. Hopefully Gotham can make that two years in a row. Gotham holds the last pick in the 1st round of the draft and that is it. New head coach Juan Carlos Amoros favors an attacking system with ball-playing defenders and midfielders. Players who fit this style should be prioritized.
Overall, Gotham needs to strike a balance between filling specific holes and adding versatile players who can complement their existing talent. Finding the right combination of experience, athleticism, and technical skill will be key to their roster building success in 2024.
Here are some additional factors to keep in mind:
Taryn Torres has been offered a contract. She would provide depth at multiple positions.
Free agency signings and trades in the league can affect Gotham's options and priorities. Free agent Allie Long could add much needed depth if she re-signs.
There is a chance Megan McClelland is on this roster. So says her LinkedIn. Spotrac has her listed as national team replacement. Would be a welcome signing but Gotham still needs additional keeper depth.
Although the expansion draft delayed signing announcements, it's still early in the off-season, so there's a lot of uncertainty about Gotham's final roster. However, by addressing these key needs, they can put themselves in a strong position to challenge for the 2024 NWSL championship.