Gotham FC’s backline took a hit this week as the club confirmed Friday that star center back Emily Sonnett suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Sonnett left the pitch on a stretcher with a left knee injury early in Gotham’s 2-2 draw in Portland on July 24.
The club announced Friday that Sonnett had surgery to repair the ruptured patellar tendon in her left knee and will miss the remainder of the 2026 season.
Sonnett’s injury is not only a big blow for the defending NWSL champions, who are currently second in the standings behind the Washington Spirit, but also potentially for the U.S. women’s national team, with the 2027 World Cup happening in less than 11 months.
Gotham didn’t provide a recovery timeline. Recovery from the surgery can vary between six and 12 months.
“Emily has the full support of everyone at the club, and we will be with her every step of the way throughout her recovery,” Gotham president of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West said in a statement. “She is incredibly resilient, and we know she will return stronger.”
Sonnett has served as an anchor to Gotham’s defense the past three seasons, including in last year’s championship run, the 2025 Concacaf W Champions Cup and this year’s NWSL Challenge Cup
This season, Gotham is tied with the Spirit for fewest goals allowed with 12.
Sonnett, a three-time NWSL champion, has appeared in 64 matches for Gotham since she joined the team ahead of the 2024 season. The former No. 1 overall pick has earned three all-league defender honors.
Sonnett has made 118 appearances for the U.S. women’s national team. She’s a two-time Olympian, capturing the gold at the 2024 Paris Games. She was also a member of the team that won the 2019 FIFA World Cup.
