How the USWNT Gotham FC players did during the CONCACAF W Gold Cup

The USWNT had another successful tournament by taking gold during the inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup on Sunday in San Diego against Brazil. Seven NJ/NY Gotham FC players participated and made a big impact on the team. Others also saw their first major trophy with the nation, including Jenna Nighswonger.

This tournament was also good preseason practice as the Gotham will kick off the new season with a Challenge Cup showdown with the San Deigo Wave. Now that the USWNT players are done celebrating, it is back to work, but not before looking back at how the Bats did during the W Gold Cup.

How did the Gotham FC players do during the CONCACAF W Gold Cup? 

Lynn Williams

Lynn Williams had met her expectations during the tournament as a reliable source off the bench for the team. She made two starts in four appearances, having been an unused substitute for two games. She did score a goal against the Dominican Republic while recording nine shots (three on target). This was her eighth piece of silverware with the national team, all of them coming since 2020.

Emily Sonnett

Despite not getting much time in the Starting XI, Emily Sonnett made five appearances in the tournament, while starting once against the Dominican Republic during the opening match of the group stage. She continues to fight for a bigger role in the team. However, the Gotham FC player cannot seem to make that final push with the super-star midfield lineup of Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, and breakout star Korbin Albert.  

Crystal Dunn

It’s a funny coincidence that Crystal Dunn was benched over her new teammate Nighswonger for part of the tournament, having started in the Argentina win, Mexico loss, and the final against Brazil. Despite only playing in three games, she continues to show her pace at left-back after shutting down Brazil on Sunday. This energy will continue into the Gotham season, but will she get enough playing time with Nighswonger on her tail? Or will she play in the midfield like she normally does in the NWSL?

Midge Purce

After winning player of the match against the Dominican Republic with two assists, that was the only match Midge Purce started as she only came off the bench in three other games after that. It was a little disappointing not to see her get more playing time after an upstanding opening match of the group stage, however, she is still expected to remain a regular national team call-up if she continues her consistency on the field. 

Tierna Davidson

Tierna Davidson earned more starts than expected after playing in four matches in the tournament from the Starting XI. The decision came after Becky Sauerbrunn and Abby Dahlkemper were benched after their poor performance against Mexico. She took over the back line alongside Naomi Girma and allowed just two goals in four fixtures. This was a huge boost to the Gotham player's confidence since being snubbed from the World Cup roster last year.    

Jenna Nighswonger

Nighswonger was one of the best and most consistent players in the tournament while proving to herself and the USWNT that she is here to stay on the team. She made three starts in four appearances while scoring two goals with one assist. Nighswonger also proved that she wants to remain in the Starting XI at left-back for Gotham after having been the favorite over Dunn during the Gold Cup. Again, the newer signing will likely see time in the midfield with the Bats rather than the left-back position.

Rose Lavelle

Despite making just three starts, Lavelle always impacted the pitch immediately. She made three starts in five appearances while recording two assists, including the assist during extra time against Canada in the semi-finals. Lavelle’s pace and ability to cross the ball are still exceptional, despite getting hit with several injuries during the 2023 season.