With their NWSL title defense starting in a matter of days, Gotham FC continue to tweak the roster.
Gotham traded forward Gabi Portilho to the San Diego Wave for $175,000 in intraleague transfer funds, the team announced Monday.
Portilho joined the club ahead of the 2025 season. She recorded three goals and three assists in 17 NWSL regular-season appearances, and started in the quarterfinals and semifinals as Gotham went on a magical run to another NWSL championship. The 30-year-old Brazilian international also helped Gotham win the 2025 Concacaf W Champions Cup.
“Gabi has been an important part of our club’s success since she joined us, and we’re thankful for everything she brought to Gotham FC,” general manager Yael Averbuch West said in a statement. “We wish her all the best as she moves forward in her career.”
Gotham now has seven players listed on the roster at the forward spot, led by leading scorer Esther González.
Katie Stengel last week signed a contract extension that runs through the 2026 season.
Gotham also bring back veteran Midge Purce, plus second-year pros Khyah Harper and the 15-year-old Mak Whitham.
And this offseason, they signed rookies Jordynn Dudley (Florida State) and Andrea Kitahata (Stanford) after decorated college careers.
Jaedyn Shaw, who scored a goal for the United States in Sunday’s SheBelieves Cup opener, is listed as a midfielder, but has the ability to play in more advanced positions.
Gotham will open their 2026 NWSL season on March 14 at Gillette Stadium against the expansion Boston Legacy.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
