Gotham FC should aim to have more players like Mandy Freeman

Throughout the world, it is extremely uncommon for players in all different sporting leagues to play for one team for a long time, especially for their whole career. This is especially true in the United States, especially in leagues where there are maximum contracts and limits to how long a player can sign. NJ/NY Gotham FC and the NWSL are very familiar with this, for the league only allows a maximum of five-year contracts.

Plus, the NWSL is known for players playing for multiple teams. It is rare for anyone to stay at one club for many years, especially for the Bats. For a long time, this made sense since the club was not one of the best and struggled. However, there is one exception, and that is Mandy Freeman.

Gotham FC needs more players like Mandy Freeman

The defender signed with Gotham FC in 2017, and she is about to enter her tenth year in the NWSL. Moreover, this will be her tenth year with the NJ/NY side, meaning that she has spent her entire career with the club. Today, that is extremely rare in sports, especially in this league.

The fact that Gotham has a player who has been with the team for so long is a good feeling. Truthfully, Freeman could have easily gone elsewhere at any point in time. There were years when she did not consistently play and barely started matches. The right-back saw her playing time decline in 2023 and 2024, and she easily could have gone to another team to guarantee more minutes. Her lone career goal was at the end of 2024, and that moment could easily have sparked interest from other teams.

Instead, Freeman signed a new contract in the offseason before the 2025 campaign, keeping her with the Bats through the end of this season. Funny enough, her playing time significantly increased in 2025, and she won her second NWSL Championship.

The player has worked hard throughout the years, and every time she takes the pitch, she is deserving. She has been loyal to the team, and they have been loyal to her.

Freeman is someone who is rare in today's day and age, and she is someone Gotham should try to model after. In other words, the Bats should try to find other players who would be willing to spend many years in New Jersey and stay for many years. Long-term players can become fan favorites and become vital to the team on and off the pitch.

In addition, they are someone who can be relied on, and teams cannot always say that about a player. Freeman will give her all regardless of whether she starts or comes off the bench. Players who are with a team for a long time can become a leader, and she has done that. The right-back is a part of the leadership team and one of the captains. She has become a role model to the younger players, and she is beloved by the fans.

Gotham FC is lucky to have someone like Freeman, and truly should try to have a few more players like her. Long-term players can be great for a team, and the defender is a great example.