Thoughts on Yael Averbuch West's letter to Gotham FC fans | OneFootball

The 2025 season for NJ/NY Gotham FC will look very different compared to 2024. The reason is a simple one: multiple players have left the club, and so far, there have been ten additions. The drastic changes to the roster are not ideal, but some moves were understandable.

Alas, that did not stop the speculation on social media surrounding the departures. There were too many big-name players who left Gotham FC via free agency, trade, or in Crystal Dunn's case, a contract termination.

However, fans’ complaints and concerns have been extremely loud.  As such, Gotham FC’s general manager and head of soccer operations, Yael Averbuch West, wrote an open letter that was published on gothamfc.com on Monday.

Yael Averbuch West’s letter to Gotham FC fans

Basically, the letter was about the upcoming season and the future. She recognized that the club is aware of what is being said about the offseason, and wanted to tell fans they “see you and we hear you, and I want you to know that our commitment to excellence—on and off the field—remains stronger than ever.”

In other words, Gotham knows there are questions about the club's culture and whether some players left because of issues unknown to the fans.  Again, this will be explored further, but for now, the focus will be on West’s letter.  Therefore, she explained that there had been changes with the team within the last year to “establish Gotham FC as a perennial title contender”.  The Bats are trying to create a team that will be one that builds to compete for the future and not just the now.

In 2024, there were changes made and assessments done to better the club.  During that time, they learned a few important things, which West expressed.  “Throughout the year, based on our assessment, we determined a need to (1) better articulate our club’s philosophy and values to players and staff; (2) further support players and staff to navigate a fiercely competitive environment; and (3) continue to refine our team mentality.”

As such, West tried to explain that these changes could have been why some left this offseason.  “We recognize not every player’s journey will align perfectly with our club’s path. Some will thrive and grow with us for years while others may desire to move on to other opportunities. Sometimes we’ll decide to move in a different direction, too. This is the nature of professional sports.”

It is nice that West took the time to open up to the Gotham FC supporters.  While her letter is helpful, it will probably not kill the skepticism about the team and what occurred in the offseason.  Comments from Lynn Williams, who now goes by Lynn Biyendolo, about why she wanted to move did not help, and the fact that Yazmeen Ryan wanted a trade and Delanie Sheehan did not want to return still makes things questionable.

It was also vague and did not necessarily address the direct concerns that supporters have.  Although, it would not be fair to expect Gotham to announce exactly why a player left.  Still, if there are issues with the team that caused many to leave, then this is something that must come out.  Alas, this is all speculation, and perhaps the changes are working for some but not others.

Truthfully, one should read the letter in full and make their own assumptions about West and the letter.  She did not have to write this, but took the time to address the Gotham FC supporters, even if it was not perfect.  It is appreciated and a kind gesture.