Women`s World Cup champion Rose Lavelle is close to returning after an ankle injury. Her comeback could provide a timely lift for both her NWSL team, NJ/NY Gotham FC, and the United States women`s national squad.
Lavelle has been sidelined since the USWNT`s 2-1 victory against the Netherlands in December. Shortly after that match, she underwent surgery for the ankle issue and has spent the subsequent six months recovering. Her lengthy absence might end this Saturday when Gotham FC hosts the Kansas City Current (1 p.m. ET, CBS). Head coach Juan Carlos Amoros indicated on Thursday that if her final preparations go well, Lavelle could feature in some capacity during the match.
The midfielder`s potential return comes ahead of a key match against the Current, who currently lead the NWSL standings with eight wins from their first ten matches. Gotham, sitting in ninth place early in the season, could certainly benefit from her presence. However, they recently secured a major trophy, winning the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup by defeating Tigres 1-0 last month.
Lavelle`s Significance for Gotham
Gotham FC is currently just two points shy of a playoff spot, a small gap they can certainly close with 16 games remaining. Lavelle`s return is therefore perfectly timed, especially given the team`s somewhat modest attacking performance this season.
The reigning 2023 NWSL champions rank eighth in the league for goals scored, netting only 12 in 10 games. Seven of these goals have come from Spanish international Esther Gonzalez. Underlying statistics paint a similar picture: Gotham ranks eighth in shots (120) and expected goals (11.9), and sixth for shots on target (45). Defensively, they have conceded 10 goals, showing a pattern of defensive solidity consistent with previous seasons under Amoros.
Last season, Gotham also started slowly but finished third and reached the playoff semifinals, establishing themselves among the NWSL`s elite group. Similar to this year, the defense was strong, but the offense took time to click. The attack improved noticeably when Lavelle returned from a lower leg injury in April. She went on to score eight goals and provide one assist in 23 appearances, finishing among the NWSL`s top 10 scorers alongside Gonzalez. A comparable contribution could be expected this season, arriving at a critical juncture.
Lavelle Adds Experience to USWNT
While USWNT head coach Emma Hayes is strategically integrating new and less experienced players as she builds towards the 2027 Women`s World Cup, there is still a valuable role for veterans during this transitional phase. Defender Crystal Dunn noted that experienced players demonstrate “how hard it is to be here,” a perspective Lavelle can certainly provide with her extensive career. Lavelle has participated in two World Cups and two Olympics, securing a first-place finish in both major tournaments.
Beyond her leadership, Lavelle`s on-field skills are significant. She has been a crucial part of the USWNT midfield for years, frequently creating scoring opportunities for the forwards within a team traditionally known for its potent attack. It is uncertain exactly when she will rejoin the national team setup, especially as Hayes prefers not to rush players back from injury. However, her return will undoubtedly bring offensive creativity to the squad during this period of evolution.
Hayes previously stated her goal of having a comprehensive understanding of her player pool by the end of the next international window in early July, though she still has flexibility to experiment with options. The coach has primarily rotated Lindsey Horan (misidentified as Heaps in original) and Lily Yohannes in the attacking midfield role over the past six months. Lavelle`s return adds another high-caliber choice as Hayes begins finalizing the best possible squad and lineup for the 2027 campaign.
