3 Gotham FC players to be excited for in 2024

NJ/NY Gotham FC will start the 2024 season in less than two weeks when they take on the San Diego Wave in the NWSL Challenge Cup. The ladies will look to go back-to-back and win the NWSL Championship again. This time around, they are more of a contender compared to last season.

There is plenty of talent on the Gotham roster to be excited about. This includes returning and new players.

Here are three players fans should be excited about for the 2024 season.

3 Gotham FC players to be excited about

1. Jenna Nighswonger

Jenna Nighswonger is returning for her sophomore season with Gotham FC after a great first year with the Bats. The Rookie of the Year showed the NWSL that she is capable of adapting in any situation. She can play in the attack and defense. After injuries to teammates forced her to move into the left-back position, she never turned back.

Meanwhile, the young player has done well so far in the W Gold Cup with the USWNT. Recently, she had an incredible match against Colombia. As such, this will force the team to ask serious questions about who should be the starting left-back. Her time with the national team is creating buzz for her next season with Gotham.

Therefore, fans should be excited about Nighswonger. She is expected to continue to develop and have a stronger year compared to 2023. The defender will probably compete for the Defender of the Year.

2. Rose Lavelle

There is no question that Gotham is extremely fortunate to have one of the best midfielders on their team. Rose Lavelle always makes a difference regardless of whether she plays on the wings or the attacking midfield. Her ability to feed her teammates and act as a goal-scoring threat will make life difficult for opposing players. Her ability on the ball is a level up on many players in the NWSL.

Supporters should be excited to have the USWNT star on Gotham FC. She can be the difference maker, where the Bats earn a few more wins than expected.

3. Esther González

Finally, Gotham FC supporters should be excited about having Esther González for a full season. The World Cup winner has the potential to be a top striker in the league.

She is already a prolific goal-scorer and had success in Spain. González even scored three goals during her eight appearances in 2023 with the Bats. This included the eventual game-winner during the NWSL Championship. Then, in the Women's Cup Colombia, she won the match for the team, leading them to lift the preseason trophy after scoring a brace.

At the same time, Gotham FC has a stronger midfield and more providers on the team. One can only imagine what the striker will do with all the accurate passes directly to her.