Esther González still needs help: Gotham FC must sign another prolific scorer

Fans are likely still celebrating the upset NWSL Championship run that saw NJ/NY Gotham FC become the champions for the second time in three years. Truthfully, they should. Nobody thought the Bats would move beyond the quarterfinals and beat the Kansas City Current. But they did, and that is why it is great to appreciate the end of the season.

However, as Gotham FC looks toward 2026, it is vital to remember that they finished the regular season in eighth place. One of the reasons why they only won nine matches is due to scoring issues. Esther González was the team's leading goal scorer, scoring 13 times in the NWSL. She led the Bats to a few of the wins. Arguably, without her, the ladies would not have made the playoffs. It is clear, though, that she needs help.

Gotham FC needs another scorer

The Spaniard faced injury problems toward the end of the season, and thankfully, others stepped up, especially in the postseason. By the time the trophy was raised, Rose Lavelle had the second-most NWSL goals on the team with six. Jaedyn Shaw also had six, but three were scored with the North Carolina Courage. Alas, throughout most of 2025, Gotham was missing another prolific scorer. And then, when González went quiet, sometimes the goals did as well.

Of course, one of the things the club must do this offseason is add depth. Adding another striker to back up González is needed, especially if Katie Stengel does not extend her contract beyond the FIFA Women's Champions Cup. At the same time, the club should add someone who is known for scoring, in case what happened at the end of the year does not continue into 2026. Ideally, the player would score ten or more goals.

The Bats might have to look outside the NWSL. After all, only six players total scored ten or more goals this season. Of course, the women's seasons around the world are shorter compared to the men's, so only so many goals can be scored. Still, Gotham could look all over the world to find someone who is consistently scoring and try to bring them stateside.

Still, many fans know the NWSL has been having issues paying players what they are worth. Reports are stating that the league is trying to change that after the Washington Spirit struggled to re-sign Trinity Rodman, and she remains without a club at this time. If that happens, then perhaps the NJ/NY side could entice a scoring star from elsewhere to join.

Nevertheless, the question remains whether Gotham could bring in another prolific scorer, regardless of whether changes happen with the salary cap. That does not change that González needs scoring help. The addition of Shaw should help, and a fully healthy Lavelle should also make an impact. It would not hurt for Gabi Portilho to have a better season, either.

Gotham FC should still search for someone who can guarantee goals. Sure, someone might need to be traded or transferred elsewhere to ensure that the team stays within the salary cap and the number of players on the roster. But if they want to compete for the NWSL Shield, then such a move is necessary,