Gotham FC Announces Departure of Richard Gunney to Atlanta City FC

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (Oct. 20, 2026) – Gotham FC confirmed Tuesday that Richard Gunney, the club’s director of scouting and roster development, has departed to become chief soccer officer of NWSL expansion side Atlanta City FC.

Gunney joined Gotham FC in November 2022 and played a central role in building the rosters that delivered the club’s 2023 and 2025 NWSL Championships, the 2024-25 Concacaf W Champions Cup title and the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup title.

“Rich has been an integral part of our club’s success, and we are incredibly grateful for his contributions over the past four years,” said Yael Averbuch West, the president of soccer operations for Gotham FC. “His expertise, dedication and work in building our scouting and recruitment infrastructure have helped shape the championship-winning teams we’ve assembled. We are thrilled to see him take this exciting next step in his career.”

As Gotham FC’s first director of scouting and roster development, Gunney led the club’s scouting and player recruitment strategy, helping establish a data-informed approach to identifying and acquiring talent across the NWSL, collegiate and international markets. He played a key role in putting together one of the most talented rosters in women’s soccer.

In his new role, Gunney will “establish and implement a clear identity” for the new Atlanta City FC, one of two expansion clubs preparing to start NWSL play in 2028. A former assistant coach at Portland and San Diego, Gunney has reached the playoffs each season of his 10-year career in the NWSL.