Gotham FC Defender Emily Sonnett Ruled Out for Season

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (July 31, 2026) - Gotham FC defender Emily Sonnett underwent surgery to repair the ruptured patellar tendon in her left knee and will miss the remainder of the 2026 NWSL season, the club confirmed Friday.

Sonnett suffered the injury at Providence Park early in the first half of this past Friday’s 2-2 draw at Portland Thorns.

“Emily has the full support of everyone at the club, and we will be with her every step of the way throughout her recovery,” said Yael Averbuch West, the president of soccer operations for Gotham FC. “She is incredibly resilient, and we know she will return stronger.”

Sonnett, 32, has made 64 appearances for Gotham FC since signing ahead of the 2024 NWSL campaign, leading the club to three trophies – the 2025 NWSL Championship, the 2025 Concacaf W Champions Cup and the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup. She is the only player in NWSL history to have won a league championship with three different clubs (Gotham FC, Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns).

The No. 1 pick in the 2016 NWSL College Draft, Sonnett has been recognized three times as an all-league defender, including inclusion in the 2025 NWSL Second XI.

On the international level, the World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist has made 118 appearances for the U.S. Women’s National Team.