Gotham FC confirmed Friday that star center back Emily Sonnett has undergone season-ending surgery for a ruptured patellar tendon in her left knee. The injury, sustained during a July 24 match against the Portland Thorns, will prevent her from playing for the remainder of the 2026 National Women's Soccer League season. This development also casts uncertainty on her availability for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, less than a year away.
Sonnett's absence is a significant blow to Gotham FC, the defending NWSL champions, who are currently second in the league standings behind the Washington Spirit. The team has allowed the fewest goals in the league this season, tied with the Spirit at 12.
Sonnett joined Gotham FC ahead of the 2024 season and has since appeared in 64 matches. She has been a key component of the team's defense during their championship run last year and in the 2025 Concacaf W Champions Cup and this year's NWSL Challenge Cup. She has earned three all-league defender honors in her career.
On the international stage, Sonnett has made 118 appearances for the U.S. Women's National Team. She was a member of the gold medal-winning team at the 2024 Paris Olympics and was part of the squad that won the 2019 FIFA World Cup. Recovery timelines for her type of surgery can range from six to 12 months.
Gotham FC president of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West stated that Sonnett has the club's full support throughout her recovery, expressing confidence in her resilience and return to the field.