*Reader discretion is advised. This is entirely my opinion!
The 2023 season of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) ended with a lot of twists and turns. Megan Rapinoe and Ali Krieger both retired, but not before playing in the 2023 NWSL Championship match during which Rapinoe tore her Achilles. Sam Mewis also retired as did Julie Ertz.
As these veteran players begin to move on from their beloved sport and take on new phases of their lives, where does that leave women’s soccer? Well, in the hands of the newly drafted players, of course!
However, one NWSL team may have a different approach.
Oh, and if you want some more information on the draft, you can find that here.
Back to the point of this story. As teams were trading and acquiring new players, one team made unexpected adjustments in the form of signing experienced players from the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) roster. That team is NJ/NY Gotham FC.
Sorry about the name drops coming your way, but:
NJ/NY Gotham FC signed Crystal Dunn, Tierna Davidson, Emily Sonnett and Rose Lavelle, all players from the national team and most of whom are veterans. Alongside their recently acquired players, Lynn Williams, Midge Purce and Kelly O’Hara are also Gotham FC team members and accomplished USWNT stars.
So, what are the management and coaching staff in New Jersey thinking? While I can’t speak for them, they seem to be attempting to build their very own “Dream Team.”
Off we go to the sport of basketball for a history lesson. More specifically, Team USA (men's) in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. A team that achieved monumental success.
The group which is now widely regarded as the "Dream Team" consisted of Michael Jordan, arguably the best basketball player of all time, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Scottie Pippen and more legends in the game.
They were dubbed the “Dream Team” after destroying opponents with an average of 44 points a game.
Not to go too into the weeds, but it was a team made up of the very best in the game of basketball. They exceeded expectations and brought home a gold medal.
However, I question, whether these all-stars played well together because they were competing as Team USA against countries around the world. Was it evoking national pride which may have allowed them to forgo the internal competition?
Growing up playing (definitely not at the pro level) and watching sports, as much as people love to win, one thing I have also experienced is people want to be the best. There’s always a bit of healthy competition.
So, was the ‘Dream Team’ a fluke, a one-time deal, or can we see that again in NJ/NY Gotham FC where a majority of players have been at or are at the top of their sport? Many have played at the highest level allowed and have already come out as champions.
I think this can go one of two ways:
1. They successfully created a super team that tops the league.
or
2. They struggle because of unexpected, new talent.
In my opinion, they may be successful, but not for long. As new talent enters the league or others begin to shine as we see with Portland Thorns FC Midfielder Olivia Moultrie, I think NJ/NY Gotham FC may begin to struggle. Plus, does having all the superstars on one team make the league less competitive? Who knows.
All this to say, I wish the best for each team as they begin the new season.
I leave with one final note: with the signing of athletes of this caliber, what chance do the new draftees have of making the final roster? I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
Resources:
Are you interested in learning more about roster rules? Visit the NWSL website for more information.
To learn more about each team’s trades and acquisitions for the past season, click here.