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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Is there something fishy going on at Gotham FC? Since the off-season, major developments have unfolded, with shocking transfers being a key highlight. The departures of players like Lynn Biyendolo (Williams), Crystal Dunn, and Yazmeen Ryan from the NWSL side certainly raise questions. However, the club’s general manager, Yael Averbuch West, has reassured the Gotham community with a strong message, stating they aren’t “done yet.”

West, also a former USWNT player, decided to soothe the nerves of the team supporters by coming out clean. And what better way than by writing a heartfelt letter? As stated on the club’s website, she refuted any concerns about instability behind the scenes. “One of the most challenging aspects of my job is seeing these external perspectives contrast with the deep confidence and belief we have in what we’re building at Gotham FC,” began Averbuch in her letter.

As Gotham FC began preseason training in Spain ahead of the 2025 campaign, West addressed the offseason changes. She acknowledged that all these changes were deemed necessary, stating it was part of the club’s effort to evolve from a team with moments of success into one with a sustainable, winning culture.

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Notably, upon joining Seattle Reign, Lynn Biyendolo insisted that she “truly never thought” of leaving Gotham. Similar feelings were echoed by the likes of Dunn who rather mutually parted ways to shake hands with Paris Saint-Germain. In addition, Ryan, along with midfielder Delanie Sheehan and goalkeeper Abby Smith, transferred to Houston. Meanwhile, Hiatt and Maitane López moved to the Portland Thorns and the Chicago Red Stars respectively.

 

While such exits would again raise fingers at Gotham, Averbuch West remained adamant. The general manager noted that not every player’s journey will align perfectly with the club’s vision. It’s not always the case for either player or team to move in the same direction. “This is the nature of professional sports.”

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“I know this offseason has been a time of uncertainty for our fans, and I want you to know we’ve worked tirelessly to build a team you’ll be excited to stand behind in 2025 and every season after,” Averbuch West added. “And we aren’t done yet. Our mission is clear: Reaching Gotham FC’s potential as one of the best clubs in the world.”

Clearly, these words imply that what Gotham FC has been doing so far is just a part of a natural process. In fact, West was barely done there as she has urged fans to reinstate all the lost support and faith.

Gotham FC needs the ‘unwavering support’ of their ardent fans!

One may believe that there is still something wrong at the New York-based club. But Yael Averbuch West didn’t stop there as she made her concluding emotional plea to the ardent fans. “We’ve made significant strides, but we can’t reach that level without your unwavering support.”

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Emphasizing the excitement of kickstarting their new season on March 23, she urged everyone to keep backing the team. The general manager welcomes back all the supporters with open arms to cheer for the team at the Sports Illustrated Stadium. “We look forward to seeing you rally around a team and a club we’re confident will make you proud!” Adding a concluding note, she said, “Always building, never finished.”

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Be that as it may, those were some quite heartwarming words from Yael Averbuch West. Whether she managed to win the hearts of fans is something that we’ll get to see in the coming days. But as difficult as it may seem to believe, things are indeed just fine for Gotham FC.

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