Gotham FC news roundup: Abby Smith is traded and more | OneFootball

The preseason inches closer and closer for NJ/NY Gotham FC. After a strong 2024, high expectations surround the squad despite the high roster turnover. Some veterans like Lynn Williams and Yazmeen Ryan were traded to other teams. Others left via free agency. Then, the NJ/NY side has signed multiple young players to replace some of those who left. The roster is still extremely strong, but questions remain about how the turnover will impact the team.

The Bats might not be playing right now, but the team continues to be in the news. Here is the latest Gotham FC news roundup.

Gotham FC news roundup: Ann-Katrin Berger, Abby Smith, and more

Gotham FC's new website

On Friday, Gotham FC revealed their new website. Yes, they still have the same website, but the layout and graphics have changed immensely. The background is now black compared to white, and there appears to be an increase in photos. It is also more user-friendly.

Overall, the website looks fantastic. Finally, Gotham looks like they entered the 2020s rather than being stuck with a website design from 10 to 15 years ago.

Ann-Katrin Berger is on the EA FC 25 Team of the Year

Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was named to the EA FC 25 Team of the Year after her superb 2024 season. She and Sophia Smith were the only NWSL players on the Team of the Year, which was voted by the fans.

Berger's honors and recognition are well deserved after her strong campaign with Gotham FC, and it is good to see the fans thought she should be in the Starting XI of some of the best players worldwide.

Abby Smith leaves Gotham FC

Speculation about the status of Abby Smith began to swirl after the signing of goalkeeper Ryan Campbell. The Bats had four keepers on their roster, which they had last year, but it did not make sense since nobody was starting the season injured.

Therefore, it was not shocking that Gotham FC announced on Friday that they traded the player to the Houston Dash. In return, the club obtained $20,000 in intra-league transfer funds. The low amount is probably because Smith only played once last season via a late substitute appearance after missing most of the season due to injury.

Unlike some of the trades earlier in the offseason, this one made sense. Berger is the clear-cut starter and Smith likely wanted a chance to compete for the starting role. One can only wonder whether she would still be the starter for Gotham FC if her injury in the middle of the 2023 season did not happen. Nevertheless, hopefully, Smith can prove that she is ready to play again in Houston.