“I can’t even find the words to express how incredibly sad I am,” wrote Crystal Dunn as she announced her unexpected exit from Gotham FC. Yet another shocking development in the NWSL, as the veteran star now appears to be leaving the New York-based club for a new chapter. This decision has left her devoted fans in disbelief, with many expressing their sorrow.

No one expected such surprising developments to occur this season. Having arrived just around December 2023 as a free agent, the 32-year-old has mutually parted ways with Gotham after enjoying just one season. Given her contract had to run until 2026, it’s unclear why this agreement was cut short in the first place.

Following this decision, Dunn took to social media and addressed her emotional exit from the club. Sharing a carousal of three pictures, one of the snaps included the defender playing soccer with her son on Gotham’s pitch. Additionally, she wrote a lengthy goodbye message in the caption saying, “Though my journey continues elsewhere, I am at least grateful to have played at home in front of my friends and family for even a short while. I’ll carry those memories with me always.”

She expressed gratitude to all of her ardent fans for showing unwavering support to her. Further extending her thanks to her Gotham teammates for showering her with kindness and encouragement, Dunn expressed her love for the club and city, which the defender had come to appreciate within just a year of staying. “The city of New York will forever be my home, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Even though Dunn is sad to leave Gotham, the former Chelsea star did express her excitement for her next destination. The USWNT veteran insisted that she is ready to accept whatever opportunity that may come ahead. Yet, she didn’t mention it clearly as to where her future lies.

“The journey continues and I am committed to reaching new heights and pushing myself to be the absolute best version of who I am. Everything happens for a reason, and I’m ready to embrace this next phase of my career with passion, grace, and JOY✨,” concluded Dunn.

The USWNT veteran may have left on short notice, but Gotham will always hold a special place in her heart. However, that does little to ease the disappointment of the fans, who are struggling to come to terms with such a call!

Gotham FC fans flood the internet with questions over surprising exit call from Crystal Dunn

The moment after this jaw-dropping update was shared by the former Washington Spirit, Chelsea, and North Carolina Courage defender on Instagram, fans quickly rushed over to the comment section and bombarded both the club and the player with questions about this decision.

For Gotham fans, it is no less than a crucial loss. Having made 23 appearances and bagging a goal and a couple of assists, everyone is wondering how the club and the star defender arrived at such a decision:

“This is depressing”

This transfer season, there have been countless examples of players making shocking departures from NWSL sides. Forget San Diego Wave’s Naomi Girma leaving for Chelsea, it was just days ago that Dunn’s fellow Gotham teammate Jenna Nighswonger also left for Arsenal. Worried over the alarming trend, one fan wrote:

“I don’t understand does the NWSL not let you decide if you wanna stay or not the WSL would never.”

Forget Crystal Dunn or Jenna Nighswonger; goalkeeper Abby Smith was earlier traded to Houston Dash, even though the club had parted ways with retired star goalie Michelle Betos. This fan didn’t think twice about questioning what exactly has been going on with Gotham:

“She was there a whole year. WTH is happening with Gotham?”

Shots fired! Looks like this fan isn’t impressed with how the New York-based club has been making these unexpected roster decisions. In fact, the netizen was sure to call out the fact of how things have gone down the chart since icon Ali Krieger left. This surely raises more concern about how exactly they’ll be moving ahead with their 2025 campaign:

“Gotham seems they have got some culture issues, has been downhill since Krieg’s left.”

There’s no denying the strong bond Dunn shared—not just with her fans but also with her teammates and coaching staff. While she may be replaced on the field, no one can take her place in the memories she has left behind. It’s no surprise that this fan, for one, will miss the veteran’s signature dance moves:

“There is no more dancing in NY 😢”

Unfortunately, this is just a glimpse of the fans’ reactions, which clearly show their disappointment with the announcement. Regardless, what’s done is done, and there’s no turning back now.

What are your thoughts on Crystal Dunn leaving Gotham? Sound off in the comments!