Sarah Schupansky is the first 2025 college signing for Gotham FC

Currently, more players have left NJ/NY Gotham FC than those who have been signed or traded for. Some fans became nervous with the newer free agency rules. Plus, there have been big-name departures like Delanie Sheehan and Lynn Williams. At the same time, Mandy Freeman signed a new contract while Jaelin Howell was brought in via the Williams and Cassie Miller trade.

Supporters must remember the offseason is long, and Gotham FC has time to bring in players before the 2025 season. As such, the club continued to build for the new year with their latest signing.

Gotham FC signed Sarah Schupansky

On Tuesday, the Bats announced they signed Sarah Schupansky to her first professional contract. The forward is from the University of Pittsburgh and marks the first collegiate signing for Gotham since the NWSL removed the draft. Schupansky signed through 2026 and there is an option for 2027.

At a first glance, she appears to be a solid signing. The NJ/NY team improved their scoring numbers as the 2024 season progressed, but it was still something they struggled with. Schupansky grew into a prolific player with Pittsburgh, scoring seven goals in three of her four collegiate years. Her best season was her junior year, for she scored 11. In total, she scored 32 goals.

Although, the forward's assist numbers are extremely notable. She had 43 in all four years, with her best year coming in her senior season with 15 assists. As a result, she had the most in the ACC and NCAA overall for 2024. The assists and the goals highlight she was capable of competing in a strong NCAA conference for women's soccer. Plus, while her goal numbers are average, her assist numbers mean she can create more chances for her new teammates.

Moreover, Schupansky can play as a winger and midfielder, making her versatile. As everyone knows, Gotham FC loves their versatile players, for it increases the starting and depth options in numerous positions.

It must be said that the newest Bat might find minutes hard to come by as she transitions from the college level to the NWSL. Of course, she could be a solid rookie and everyone knows what Jenna Nighswonger did in 2023. However, even with Williams' departure, the final third has numerous options with players like Crystal Dunn, Esther González, Yazmeen Ryan, Ella Stevens, and more. Hopefully, Midge Purce will be back in the fold too.

If anything, Gotham FC fans should expect Schupansky to play more in the midfield. But who knows? Perhaps the player will do well enough in training to earn a high number of minutes early on in the season.