Did Jenna Nighswonger make the right choice by leaving Gotham FC? | OneFootball

Before the 2025 season began, NJ/NY Gotham FC saw about half of last year's roster leave the team. The shocking exodus shook the supporters, and it led the Bats to sign multiple players, with about half of the signings being rookies. The drastic change in the roster is part of why the team is struggling in the NWSL this season, but truthfully, based on the players, they should be doing a little better.

Alas, that is not the case, and fans can only wonder whether they would still be having all of these issues without the drastic turnover. That also leads to the question of how those who have left are doing. One major player, who nobody thought would leave, was Jenna Nighswonger.

Nighswonger's possible move was barely on the radar of everyone when Gotham FC announced her transfer to Arsenal Women Football Club. She had become a mainstay in the Starting XI as the left-back. Yes, Mandy Freeman got some time there at the end of 2024, but it was thought Nighswonger would still be the starter this season.

Jenna Nighswonger and whether her Gotham FC departure was right

Fans were blindsided, but it is possible that the perfect opportunity arose for the defender to go to Europe. The appeal of playing overseas, while not as prevalent in the NWSL compared to Major League Soccer, can still entice players. But how is the former Gotham player doing? Was moving to Arsenal the correct decision to make?

After playing for half of the season, for the Women's Super League was in the middle of the season when she joined, the answer might be no. With that being said, she joined halfway through the season, so it would not be fair to say Nighswonger made a mistake and should not have left Gotham FC.

But it is easy to say that since the defender's playing time decreased significantly. She only played in four WSL matches and five overall with Arsenal, making just one start.

On the other hand, Nighswonger was a part of a squad that won the Champions League and finished in second place in league play. Gotham might have won the CONCACAF W Champions Cup, but the side is currently in tenth place in the NWSL. In some ways, she left the team before they entered a period of struggle.

Nevertheless, the lack of playing time is concerning for her, especially if she wants to be a regular with the USWNT. Nighswonger is too talented not to be playing regularly.

Of course, playing a full season might help, but if she continues to play limited minutes, then she might want to consider returning to the NWSL or going elsewhere. Sadly, Gotham might not be able to welcome her back if she desired to do so. Lilly Reale has been playing superbly in her rookie season and has done well in replacing Nighswonger.

In the end, the former Gotham FC player has not had the best start individually with Arsenal. Ideally, she will find herself, and fans at home can cheer for her overseas.