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Gotham FC should try and bring Crystal Dunn home

-Free agent Crystal Dunn already announced she will not return to Portland

-Gotham FC should try to sign her

ByCaitlyn Chale|
Crystal Dunn
Crystal Dunn | Michael Janosz/ISI Photos/GettyImages

NJ/NY Gotham FC has announced their end-of-the-year roster decisions. After a stronger season and the NWSL Championship win, it was hard to see the club making many substantial changes. At this time, Ali Krieger will not return due to her retirement. In addition, there are free agents like McCall Zerboni and Allie Long who might have played their final match for the Bats.

Most of the roster is still intact though. Despite the Championship, the Bats have plenty of room to grow. The next step is to turn the team into the best in the NWSL.

Gotham FC should sign Crystal Dunn

Of course, there are free agents available that Gotham FC should pursue. One such player is Crystal Dunn. The former Portland Thorns FC player announced she would be leaving the team.

As such, Gotham FC should try to bring Dunn home to the tri-state area. The New Yorker was born and raised on Long Island. Hence, it would make sense for her to join the club due to the location. If most of her family is still out in Nassau County, then it would be easier for them to attend matches.

Moreover, if the USWNT star has any desire to play at home, then right now would be a great time. Gotham is coming off the NWSL Championship win. The team wants to continue building and growing so they can finish higher than sixth place.

Meanwhile, Dunn would be a superb signing for the Bats. Her versatility is a welcoming aspect of her game. She can play as a midfielder and defender. As a midfielder, she can be utilized in the central and attacking midfield. When she plays in the defense, she plays as a left-back. Notably, most of her time as a left-back has come with the USWNT.

This season, Dunn scored five goals with Portland. It was not her highest total but it was the most since 2019 when she scored nine goals. Of course, she did miss a good amount of time in 2021 and 2022 due to her pregnancy and maternity leave. Additionally, she had two assists in 2023.

Dunn would be an impactful player if NJ/NY Gotham FC signed her. It would be a smart move for the club to bring her home.

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