Gotham FC’s bold move: Ryan Campbell could be the next big star in the NWSL | OneFootball

The announcement of the signing of goalkeeper Ryan Campbell by NJ/NY Gotham FC, with a contract valid through 2025, marks not only a new chapter in her career but also a strategic move by the club to secure a promising and well-established talent from the collegiate soccer scene. This decision underlines the ambition of Gotham FC to solidify itself as a force both on and off the field in a competitive league like the NWSL.

Who is Ryan Campbell, and why does she matter? Ryan Campbell has had an amazing collegiate soccer career. She concluded her 2024 season with the UCLA Bruins in style, playing every possible minute and recording an outstanding 16 clean sheets. This number not only earned her national recognition but also cemented her place in UCLA's history as the second-highest single-season record of shutouts.

Prior to her arrival to UCLA, Campbell was simply spectacular at Stanford, where she studied for four years, having been named Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023. Her stats were telling: 0.601 goals allowed per game, 60 saves, and 11 shutouts amassed throughout her time with the Cardinal. These are great accolades for a keeper in a sport where even a millimeter or a second often separates success from failure.

Gotham FC signing Campbell

The arrival of Campbell to Gotham FC is not just about adding one talented goalkeeper; it's about investing in great potential and consistency. The club's general manager, Yael Averbuch West, made that crystal clear with how capable Campbell is: "She has all the tools to be an exceptional professional goalkeeper.

That's a commitment, considering her contract runs until 2025. In this respect, Gotham FC can give her ample time to build her up as she develops in this field of professional soccer.

Ambition and grit to the end

The story of Campbell is one of persistence and determination, too. She made the move from Stanford to UCLA, not because she needed a change of environment, but to further test her abilities. As the starting goalkeeper for the Bruins, she was in charge as she led the backline with distinction, earning First-Team All-North Region and many other awards and recognition, including the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List.

Campbell's experience goes further than college soccer. She has played with the U.S. Youth National Teams at many different levels: U-14, U-15, and U-23. Her involvement in the 2023 Thorns Preseason Tournament with the U-23s underlines her readiness for high-level competition even before going pro.