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NJ/NY Gotham FC are a little more than halfway through the NWSL season as they currently sit in fourth place in the table after losing just once during the last five matches. Like MLS, the NWSL will take a month-long break for its Summer Cup tournament, where Gotham won their first match against the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup via penalty kicks.
However, the team will be without several key players as they will be with their national teams at the Paris Olympics, which is set to kick off on July 25. With women's soccer on the rise, the Olympics are set to draw as much attention as the World Cup, with the USWNT back at it again with a new head coach and a young thriving squad.
But which Gotham FC players will represent their country at the Olympics in France?
USWNT
The USWNT has declined in recent seasons at the international level due to the heavy competition from other nations, with the 2019 World Cup being their last major trophy outside of CONCACAF. They have won four gold medals, one silver, and one bronze medal at the Olympic games, being one of the most successful nations in these competitions. However, their last gold medal was back in 2012. They did not place in the top four in 2016 but escaped the Japan Olympics with a bronze medal.
Tierna Davidson-Defender
Tierna Davidson is returning for her second Olympics after winning bronze during the 2020 Toyko Games. She was able to see a decent amount of playing time at the last competition with four starts, though she is expected to have a much bigger role for Emma Hayes’ side.
Davidson started both friendlies leading up to the Olympics, playing the entire 90 minutes at center-back while keeping back-to-back clean sheets. Look for the defender to have a significant impact on the team as she works to regain her starting role for the USWNT after being snubbed from the World Cup roster last year.
Jenna Nighswonger- Defender
The rising star Jenna Nighswonger is heading to her first Olympics after winning Hayes’ trust following her stellar campaign with Gotham. She started against Mexico in the Olympic send-off game. However, she was not used against Costa Rica as Hayes has been testing her and Crystal Dunn at left-back.
Despite an impressive run of matches with the national team, she will have to work extra hard to keep a starting role in a competitive role. Nevertheless, the defender is set to be a key feature in the backline as her speed and vision will be lethal either off the bench or as a starter for USWNT in France.
Emily Sonnett- Defensive Midfielder/ Defender
Gotham FC's unsung hero Emily Sonnett is making another trip to the Olympics as she continues to search for a gold medal at the summer games. With fierce competition in the midfield, it will be hard to see her get a starting role, with Korbin Albert having a slight edge on the depth chart behind Sam Coffey and Rose Lavelle. In addition, Sonnett is expected to act as a depth piece for the backline as a center-back.
She came off the bench twice during the pre-Olympic friendlies, which is a sign the midfielder will be used as a sub at the Olympics. This does not mean she will not be a game changer as she has started all 16 games in NWSL play for the Bats, with about 1,400 minutes under her belt. Plus, Sonnett has prior Olympic experience that will be useful for the USWNT.
Rose Lavelle- Midfielder
Lavelle is set to suit up for her second Olympic run as she eyes Gold following a bronze finish in 2021. However, she was pulled from the lineup against Costa Rica following a slight hamstring injury. It does not seem to be too much of a concern, but it is something to keep an eye on.
The star midfielder is set to be a key player in the attack following her top form with Gotham FC. She has five goals already in the season. Also, Lavelle loves to show up in big tournaments for the national team and will look to build fitness for a stellar tournament following an injury-prone season in 2023 that prevented her from performing at the top level during the World Cup.
Crystal Dunn-Forward/Defender
At 32, Dunn will play in her third Olympics as one of the oldest members on the roster. She is set to be used more as a defender. Although similar to the NWSL and her time with Gotham FC, Hayes is willing to use the veteran in the attack.
Dunn started at left-back against Costa Rica as Hayes will decide between her and teammate Nighswonger on who will keep the starting role. Even if Dunn does not start, she is set to take on a huge leadership role as one of the most experienced players on the team.
Lynn Williams-Forward
Lynn Williams was originally named as an alternate player for the USWNT. That did not last long, for due to an injury to Catarina Macario, she was elevated to the 18-women squad. This is her second trip to the games. With Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman as the set starters in the attack, Williams will be used as an option off the bench in Paris.
She will bring fresh legs, speed, and a dynamic goal scorer to the USWNT as she already has three goals in nine matches with Gotham FC. Her lingering knee injury is something to look out for, already missing a few NWSL matches. She will try to build up her strength leading up to the first match against Zambia on Thursday.
Germany
Germany is in the middle of a rebuilding era as they will head to the Olympics with interim coach Horst Hrubesch. They had a brutal World Cup campaign in 2023 after being knocked out from the group stage following poor results against South Korea and Colombia. The nation has won one gold medal with four bronze finishes at the Olympic games as the side looks to regain its power in international football.
Ann-Katrin Berger-Goalkeeper
Gotham FC's goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger has relaunched her career in the NWSL, making her one of the best keepers in the league by allowing just nine goals in 12 appearances. She has four clean sheets and an 81.6 percent save percentage. After being benched during the World Cup last year with Germany, she is on her way to the Olympics as she makes her first trip to the games.
Her biggest competition will be against national team teammate Merle Frohms, who won the starting role at the World Cup. Both players got a start in the two games before Paris as Hrubesch is set to make his final decision ahead of their first match against Australia on Thursday.
Who is missing out
Unfortunately for Esther González, her foot injury has kept her off the Spanish roster. She won the World Cup with the team in 2023 and will not join the team that will look for their second international medal in two years. The forward will remain with Gotham FC as she continues her rehab after missing over a month of action already.