Gotham FC news roundup: NWSL Best XI, international duty, and more | OneFootball

NJ/NY Gotham FC's 2024 season has ended after the Bats fell to the Championship-bound Washington Spirit via a penalty kick shootout in the NWSL Playoffs. The exit was not ideal, but now the club can focus on 2025. They can work on improving an already talented squad. More than likely, the work has already begun.

In addition, there is so much news to cover and it has only been a few days since the semifinal loss. So, check out the latest Gotham FC news roundup.

Gotham FC news roundup: The NWSL Best XI and more

International duty for Gotham FC

Gotham FC's talented roster is highlighted by nine players being called up for international duty. Six were called up to represent the USWNT: Tierna Davidson, Rose Lavelle, Jenna Nighswonger, Yazmeen Ryan, Emily Sonnett, and Lynn Williams. The Stars and Stripes will play England before taking on the Netherlands.

Additionally, Bruninha was selected to represent Brazil and will take on Australia in back-to-back games. Jéssica Silva was called up to Portugal and her team will face Czechia twice. Then, Jess Carter will represent England when they take on the US and Switzerland.

The 2024 NWSL Best XI

On Monday, the NWSL Best XI was announced by the league. Two Gotham FC players made the Best XI First Team and three made the Second Team. Ann-Katrinn Berger and Jenna Nighswonger were a part of the First Team. Berger was probably an easy decision, for her work in goal has been phenomenal. Nighswonger did not necessarily improve from her Rookie of the Year season, but she was still one of the best left-backs in the NWSL.

Then, the Second Team had Esther González, Rose Lavelle, and Yazmeen Ryan. The three of them had fantastic seasons, while Ryan had her best season to date. She had five goals in the NWSL and finally has received call-ups to the USWNT.

At the same time, it was shocking that Emily Sonnett was not in the Best XI of either team. It is difficult to choose a few players out of so many. However, if Berger was the MVP, and should be, of Gotham FC, then Sonnett was the rock. She was always reliable in the backline and rarely made mistakes.

Former Gotham player Kristie Mewis is pregnant

Former Gotham FC player Kristie Mewis had joyous news to share: she is pregnant! She and her partner, Sam Kerr, who played for the club under Sky Blue FC, will welcome their child in 2025. Both players currently play for teams in England, so it is expected the child will begin his or her life there.

This is such great news for the couple. Hopefully, Mewis will have a safe and healthy pregnancy.