3 predictions for Gotham FC in the 2025 season | OneFootball

NJ/NY Gotham FC is less than a week away from the start of the NWSL season.  This year will look very different compared to last year since many players departed the club via free agency or trade.  Then, there are many new players, including rookies, who joined the team.

As such, Gotham FC will look a little different on the pitch.  There will still be many of the stars from last season, but questions about the team’s chemistry and how they will do to start the season remain.  Will they be successful and win close to the number of matches they did last year or even win a trophy as they did in 2023?  Or will they struggle and not have as good of a season?

Gotham is still an incredible team, and supporters should still be excited for the upcoming campaign.  One can even make predictions based on the current status of the club.

Therefore, here are three predictions for Gotham FC in the 2025 season.

3 predictions for Gotham FC

3. Esther González will score the most goals for Gotham

Gotham FC lost some of their top goal-scorers from 2024.  Three of the top scorers from the regular season are no longer with the team.  However, forward Esther González still remains, and she scored nine goals in the regular season and 12 overall.  She scored the most out of everyone on the team.

So, it is predicted that Esther will score the most goals again.  The Spaniard continues to be a fantastic player for the Bats, regardless of whether she is in the striker position or elsewhere in the attack.

In addition, she will score more goals in 2025.  In the regular season, she will score at least 12.  In all competitions, she will score 15 or more.  More importantly, she will be one of the top scorers in the NWSL.  While it is unexpected that she will compete for the Golden Boot, Esther should significantly impact Gotham FC.  Perhaps some of her goals will lead to wins and be the difference in where the team finishes in the standings.

2. Gotham FC will finish anywhere from third to fifth place

Speaking about the standings, it is difficult to see the NJ/NY side compete for the top spot in the NWSL.  Many assume the players will need some time to develop chemistry, somewhat similar to last year.  However, as mentioned, there were many changes to the team.  Hence, it is assumed that the drastic turnover will impact the team, especially in the beginning.

There are still big-name players like Esther, Rose Lavelle, Emily Sonnett, and more.  Notably, Lavelle will miss some time due to her injury, and it is unknown when she will be available.  Midge Purce is also back after her ACL injury but will likely take some time to return to her talented self.  Plus, the team brought in a few players who can be impactful right away, like Gabi Portilho.

With that in mind, another prediction is that Gotham FC will finish anywhere from third to fifth place.  The ladies will easily secure a playoff spot but might find themselves closer to fifth place if they struggle at the beginning of the season.  Plus, other teams have become stronger in the NWSL.  In other words, securing a top-four spot might be more difficult.

At the same time, the Bats could click faster than one expects.  This could allow them to finish in third or fourth place, depending on how they play and whether the team is predominantly healthy.  One must keep in mind though that many of the players brought in to replace the outgoing ones are young or complete rookies.  The lack of experience could easily influence Gotham.

Furthermore, the past has shown how close teams can be in the standings.  Last season, those in second to fourth were separated by one point.  If something similar happens, then that could be the difference with where the team finishes.

Gotham FC will finish in the top part of the standings, and the prediction has them finishing anywhere from third to fifth place.  Truthfully, it would be surprising if they do compete for second or first, and it would be shocking if they ended the season in sixth place or lower.

1. A Gotham rookie will shine for the team

With multiple stars or vital pieces departing the team, Gotham had to go out and bring in new players.  Part of their plan this season involved the signing of multiple young players, including rookies.  In fact, the Bats have six rookies in the squad, with five coming from colleges.

Ryan Campbell, Sofia Cook, Khyah Harper, Lilly Reale, and Sarah Schupansky were all signed from universities.  Then, Mak Whitham was signed last year, with her contract beginning in 2025.

So, with so many rookies on Gotham, the final prediction is that at least one of the rookies will shine for the team.  Whitham is not expected to get too much playing time since she is 14 and will utilize this year and possibly the next to focus on her development.  Then, Campbell is assumed to be the third-choice goalkeeper, so one can assume she will not get much playing time, if any at all.

That means four of the rookies have a shot at shining this year.  Since Gotham FC will rely on some of them for vital minutes, it is easy to see one of them having a successful first season.  Although, who it will be is questionable.  Reale seems like a solid likelihood since she was one of the best collegiate defenders available.  She has to compete with a talented backline, though.

Nevertheless, Gotham FC should have at least one rookie shine and possibly compete for Rookie of the Year.  This is something that will be watched.