Gotham FC is actively working to re-sign star midfielder Rose Lavelle, who has technically been a free agent since July 1, according to club president of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West.
“We’re working every day on it,” Averbuch West stated in a recent interview, emphasizing the club's commitment to retaining the playmaker. She acknowledged the broad appeal of Lavelle, stating, “I think every team wants to sign Rose Lavelle, so absolutely.”
Lavelle, a significant presence for the U.S. women's national team, joined Gotham in 2024. In her first season, she recorded eight goal contributions with seven goals and one assist. After missing the first half of the 2025 season due to ankle surgery, she returned to help lead the team to its second NWSL championship in three years. In the 2026 season, she has scored two goals in 10 matches and remains a key creative force for Gotham's offense.
Mention of Lavelle in promotional materials for Gotham's planned move to Etihad Park in Queens for the 2028 season suggests her continued importance to the club's future. The team announced its relocation to the new Queens venue on Tuesday.
Averbuch West also addressed the broader roster construction as the team works within the NWSL's salary cap. Other notable free agents for Gotham include goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, defender Jess Carter, forward Midge Purce, and captain Mandy Freeman.
“I can’t speak to many specifics, but as I think people have seen, we work very hard on the roster and we’re always thinking about and evaluating the roster,” Averbuch West said.
In other roster moves, Emily Sonnett agreed to an extension through 2028 just before free agency began. Additionally, superstar Australian striker Sam Kerr joined the team this month on a contract extending through 2030.
Gotham recently returned to play after the NWSL's summer break with a 2-0 loss to league leaders San Diego. The team currently sits in seventh place, having scored 12 goals in 12 matches. They are scheduled to play away against fourth-place Utah on Friday night before returning home for the "Queens Classic" on July 15 against the Washington Spirit at Citi Field, where a record crowd is anticipated.