Rose Lavelle's eventual return will turn Gotham FC into an unstoppable force | OneFootball

Rose Lavelle last played for NJ/NY Gotham FC in the semifinals of the 2024 NWSL Playoffs. The NWSL and USWNT star, unfortunately, had ankle surgery during the offseason after playing most of the previous season with an injury. She was able to manage it, but it was inevitable that she would have surgery.

It is unknown when the midfielder will return to Gotham FC, for the club refuses to provide a timeline for a probable return. However, when Lavelle does return, she will make Gotham FC an unstoppable force.

Rose Lavelle will improve Gotham FC's play when she returns

When watching the games without the star and with, one could see she influences the flow of the match and how the midfield plays. More often than not, Gotham tends to play at a higher level when she is in the Starting XI. Her strong passing ability creates chances for her teammates. At the same time, she can score goals to help the Bats in the attack. She scored eight goals in all competitions in 2024, including seven in the NWSL regular season.

In addition, Lavelle's offensive mindset can frustrate opposing players. They never know whether she is going to send the ball into the box, maneuver herself closer, or try to shoot. This is something Gotham needs when their offense is shut down by other teams. The Bats have been superb in the attack, scoring 11 goals in their last four matches and winning three of the four. Esther González has been a major reason why, for she has seven of the 11 goals.

The NJ/NY side still needs more help, for fans saw what happened when the attack was not at its best. They were held to one goal before being dismantled by Portland Thorns FC, losing 4-1 in the middle of their offensive powerhouse stretch. If Lavelle was healthy, then perhaps things would have been different.

Notably, Sarah Schupansky has stepped up in her rookie season and has covered a little of the loss of Lavelle. Jaelin Howell has done a decent job, but one can expect that she will be the odd woman out once Lavelle is ready to start matches. Her influence is at a minimum. Also, Lavelle is the better player by miles. This is not to be unkind, but rather to speak the truth.

As such, the attack will improve once the injured player is back. This comes after the team has seemed to click offensively. Plus, Midge Purce is slowly building up to be a starter again, and she is a difference maker every single time she is on the pitch.

So, one can only imagine what Gotham FC will be like with all of their attacking options with the addition of Lavelle. The team will become an unstoppable force. This is not to say they will win every game, for their defense has been proven vulnerable this season. Rather, the Bats will be a challenging opponent to keep out of the back of the net.