Gotham FC news roundup: Player moves and video controversy

NJ/NY Gotham FC continues to prepare for 2024. Here is the latest news roundup for the Bats.

Gotham FC news roundup: Allie Long, Sam Hiatt, and a video

Gotham officially says goodbye to Allie Long

While it was expected, Gotham FC has officially said goodbye to New York native Allie Long. The player spent three seasons with the club, which included the 2023 NWSL Championship season. This past year, she played in 24 games overall.

It is unknown what the future holds for the player. At 36, Long could play another season or two. She could also retire. She will be missed though, for she meant a lot to the fanbase.

Sam Hiatt joins the Bats

Gotham FC is not done with their acquisitions. On Wednesday, the club announced they had acquired defender Sam Hiatt via a three-way trade. The Bats sent $60,000 of allocation money to Racing Louisville FC in exchange for Julia Lester. Subsequently, they sent Lester and $20,000 to Seattle Reign FC in exchange for Hiatt.

The defender played and started 16 regular season games for the team formerly known as OL Reign. She will compete for a center-back starting position. At the same time, she fortifies the backline, for the team still needs defenders to compete and for depth.

There are some great qualities to Hiatt's game too. During the regular season, she had a successful passing percentage of 81.7% and was a clearance machine, with 65. She is not a goal-scoring defender, for she has one goal in her professional career. That is okay since Gotham has incredible attackers on the roster.

Gotham FC caused some social media drama

Gotham FC might have had their Cinderella story season last year, but that does not mean the team can be arrogant in any manner. Sadly, when the NWSL schedule dropped, the Bats' social media team put out a not-so-great video.

In an attempt to be humorous, the video called out NWSL teams and even the Arsenal Women's team, who was called out for their lack of diversity late last year. It came off arrogant as if the Bats thought they were better than everyone else. Clearly, it was not a great look. It created a backlash, and the club eventually removed the video from their social media.

The fact the video was cleared for the schedule release should make one question who they have hired for any social media content. Mistakes are made, but this should not happen again. NJ/NY Gotham FC is better than this.