Former Gotham FC player's return to the NWSL proves she should have never left

NJ/NY Gotham FC has had success in developing youth. One such player in recent years is Jenna Nighswonger, who played for the Bats from 2023 to 2024. It was thought that she would be the main left-back for years to come, especially after she won the Rookie of the Year in 2023. However, the defender had different plans.

Before the 2025 season, Nighswonger made the decision to leave Gotham FC to head overseas. The club transferred her to Arsenal Women Football Club, and the move was shocking. Her career was just starting, and again, many fans thought she was going to be the player who would represent the team.

Former Gotham FC player Jenna Nighswonger should have stayed

There was also the question about whether she should have gone to Europe. Sure, it is important to take risks. But at the time, Nighswonger's decision did not make sense.

And not long after, it was clear that the left-back made the wrong decision. She barely played with Arsenal and eventually went out on loan to Aston Villa Women Football Club for the second half of the 2025-2026 season. Alas, that was the beginning of the end of her time in England.

After just a year and a half, Nighswonger is back in the NWSL. However, she is not with Gotham. Rather, she has signed a contract with Bay FC through the 2028 season. Her return proves that the move to Arsenal was not the right one, and at the time, she should have stayed in New Jersey.

Of course, if Nighswonger did not leave, then the Bats would have never signed Lilly Reale, who won the 2025 Rookie of the Year. But like Nighswonger, she did not remain with the team, for she was traded to Boston Legacy FC this year. Still, both left-backs were talented, and the NJ/NY side would have been fortunate if Nighswonger stayed or Reale was signed.

But looking back at when Nighswonger left, one can only wonder who was advising her. Arsenal is one of the top sides in England, and she was joining the team with other players in front of her in the depth chart. More importantly, as good as she was for Gotham, she did not reach that step that made her one of the best of the best.

Nighwonger's time at Arsenal was an ultimate failure. She could have had more playing time in the NWSL if she had stayed. Now, the question is whether the former Gotham FC player can find herself again at Bay FC.

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