Gotham FC brings back Jéssica Silva and trades for Shelby Hogan | OneFootball

The busy offseason will not stop for NJ/NY Gotham FC. In the last week alone, the Bats have signed Stella Nyamekye and Gabi Portilho. In addition, they have traded Yazmeen Ryan to the Houston Dash. Changes to the roster were expected, but thus far there have been many surprises. The departures and additions were not thought to be extremely drastic for the 2025 season.

Nevertheless, the team will look a little different this year. Plus, Gotham FC had to react to those who have left the team via free agency or trade. As a result, the Bats have been bringing in new players while also trying to bring back familiar faces.

So, on New Year's Eve, Gotham made two announcements: Jéssica Silva is back and the team acquired Shelby Hogan via a trade.

Jéssica Silva returns to Gotham FC

To begin, Silva and Gotham FC agreed to another short-term contract that will see her at the club until June 30, 2025. The Portuguese international joined the team over the summer but missed some matches due to injury. This led to limited appearances, so fans could not see the forward shine for the Bats.

When Silva signed in August, it was expected she would act as a depth piece but play more than she did. Fans should expect her to play more as long as she remains healthy.

Moreover, the contract is friendly to Silva and Gotham. If her time with the team truly does not work out, then she can leave during the summer and the club will not have her on the books. At the same time, if Silva has success, then her contract can be extended. This was a great move by the front office and hopefully the forward can leave her mark on the Bats.

Shelby Hogan joins Gotham FC from Portland

Gotham FC was not done announcing moves on Tuesday. The club announced they traded for goalkeeper Hogan from Portland Thorns FC. The full trade, per gothamfc.com, includes "Hogan and $40,000 in allocation money from the Portland Thorns, in exchange for $10,000 in intra-league transfer funds and a 2025 international roster spot."

The player spent her first four years with the Thorns, with most of the her time spent on the bench during the first three seasons. It was only in 2024 that Hogan became a starter. She received the opportunity because Bella Bixby was on maternity leave, and played very well despite Portland's struggles in 2024.

Although, this was not an expected move. Perhaps this means that Michelle Betos will not be returning in 2025. At the same time, it would not make sense to bring in Hogan after the season she had, and have Ann-Katrin Berger and Abby Smith on the team. Clearly, Berger will start, but one must wonder whether Smith might be on the way out. After all, she and Hogan can start in the NWSL, so having both as backups would be puzzling.

Nevertheless, the addition of Hogan enhances the goalkeeper position. Gotham FC might have the best trio of keepers in the NWSL.