Gotham FC news roundup: The preseason and international duty | OneFootball

After what felt like the longest offseason in NJ/NY Gotham FC's history, the Bats are back together preparing for the 2025 season. While there have been many departures, numerous new players arrived as well. Therefore, the ladies must utilize the preseason to develop chemistry. They also must put in the work to ensure they can have another stellar season like they did in 2024.

Since the preseason is in full swing, there is news to cover about the preseason and some players. So, let's look at the next Gotham FC news roundup.

Gotham FC news roundup: Preseason games and more

A brief look at Gotham FC's preseason

Gotham FC began their preseason in Spain, leaving fans and the rest of the New York and New Jersey area to battle the cold and snow. They will eventually return stateside, splitting up the preseason.

The Bats announced that they would play the first two preseason matches in Spain against SK Brann and FC Nordsjælland. They already played against Brann on Saturday, which they won 2-1. Goals were scored by Esther González and Mak Whitham. They will play Nordsjælland on Friday, February 14.

Afterward, Gotham will return stateside with some players heading out on international duty. Then, the next part of the preseason will take place in Florida. The team will play their next two matches on Wednesday, February 26 against Fort Lauderdale United FC and Sunday, March 2, against Tampa Bay Sun FC. The two sides are in the USL Super League. Hence, unless anything changes, the NJ/NY team will not face anyone in the NWSL during the preseason.

Gotham FC players and international duty

Over the last few days, Gotham FC players have been called up for international duty. Jéssica Silva was called up to represent Portugal, Ann-Katrin Berger will represent Germany, Bruninha will suit up for Brazil, Jess Carter was called up to play for England, and then Tierna Davidson and Emily Sonnett will play for the USWNT.

Notably, the USWNT will play three games in the SheBelieves Cup. In addition, this is the first time in a long time that the Bats only had two players called up. Often, they would have anywhere from four to six. However, with players like Crystal Dunn and Jenna Nighswonger leaving the club, the team has fewer USWNT players. When healthy, Rose Lavelle would be called up, and possibly Midge Purce can make the team again later this season.

Still, Gotham FC has numerous players who will be away with their national teams. This will help them prepare for the season as they continue to train.