Gotham FC defender Emily Sonnett was stretchered off the field with a suspected left knee injury during the team's 2-2 draw against the Portland Thorns on Friday night. The non-contact injury occurred in the 11th minute of the match.
Sonnett, 32, is a key player at center back for Gotham, the defending National Women's Soccer League champions. Her absence was felt immediately, according to acting head coach Shaun Harris. "It’s always hard when you lose one of your best players," Harris said. "Emily is someone who really organizes the team, understands the game plan well and is good on the ball. … Emily is one of our key players and a leader on and off the pitch. It’s really difficult when you lose such a great and important player that early in the game."
Sonnett is also a regular for the U.S. Women's National Team, with the 2027 World Cup less than a year away.
Despite the loss of Sonnett, Gotham FC secured a draw thanks to a goal from Sam Kerr, her first since joining the club earlier this month. Kerr also drew a red card on Portland defender Jayden Perry in the 73rd minute, though Gotham could not capitalize further.
Guro Reiten assisted Midge Purce for Gotham's opening goal in the second minute. Portland responded in the 21st minute with a goal from Renee Lyle, assisted by Pietra Tordin. The Thorns took a 2-1 lead in the 53rd minute from a deflected shot by Jessie Fleming.