:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70671000/Gotham_FC_Crest.0.png)
Gotham FC finalized their 25-player roster for the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup. The squad includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, nine midfielders, and five forwards.
The club made some major additions in the offseason, adding three USWNT regulars: Defender Ali Krieger (from Orlando Pride), goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris (also from Orlando Pride), and Kristie Mewis (from Houston Dash). Mewis will likely line up run the midfield alongside US international Allie Long, who joined the club last season.
Gotham also signed forward Kumi Yokoyama, a forward with 17 goals for the Japanese Women’s National Football Team.
Notably, the club completely overhauled the goalkeeper pool. This offseason, Gotham traded all-star starter Kailen Sheridan to San Diego Wave FC and backup DiDi Haračić to Angel City FC. Not only did Gotham bring in Harris, who was the starter for Orlando, they also added Michelle Betos, who was the starter for Racing Louisville in their inaugural season, and the club’s captain: Expect to see some competition for who makes the opening day lineup. Gotham also signed 21-year-old Hensley Hancuff to a rookie contract after selecting her in the 2022 NWSL draft.
The defense will feature ironwoman Caprice Dydasco—not only was she named 2021 NWSL Defender of the Year, she logged more than 2000 minutes for Gotham, appearing in every regular season and postseason game.
The forward line includes a trio of internationals: USWNT starter Margaret “Midge” Purce and Nigeria’s Ifeoma Onumonu return, while Japan’s Nahomi Kawasumi rejoins the team after going on loan to INAC Kobe Leonessa.
2022 Gotham FC Challenge Cup Roster
Goalkeepers: Michelle Betos, Hensley Hancuff, Ashlyn Harris
Defenders: Imani Dorsey, Caprice Dydasco, Sabrina Flores, Mandy Freeman, Ellie Jean, Estelle Johnson, Ali Krieger, Gina Lewandowski
Midfielders: Nicole Baxter, Jennifer Cudjoe, Allie Long, Kristie Mewis, Domi Richardson, Delanie Sheehan, Taryn Torres, Kumi Yokoyama, McCall Zerboni
Forwards: Nahomi Kawasumi, Paige Monaghan, Ifeoma Onumonu, Margaret “Midge” Purce, Cameron Tucker
Gotham lost the opening game of the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup, falling to NC Courage 2-0 in North Carolina. They next face Washington Spirit today, March 25, at 7:30 pm ET. The game will be broadcast live on Paramount +.