Yazmeen Ryan is the latest Gotham FC player to shockingly leave via trade | OneFootball

Shockwaves once again rocked the NJ/NY Gotham FC fanbase after reports surfaced of another beloved player leaving the team. On Thursday, there were multiple reports that Yazmeen Ryan was traded to the Houston Dash for about $400,000. This comes after other fan favorites like Lynn Williams and Delanie Sheehan departed the club via trade or free agency.

Since Ryan signed a contract extension with Gotham FC before the 2024 season, Houston will have her through 2026, with an option for 2027.

Gotham FC trades Yazmeen Ryan to Houston

The news is shocking, for Ryan had a superb season with Gotham. She had nine goals and nine assists in all competitions. She also started the majority of the games after Midge Purce's ACL injury. In addition, she was vital to the Bats' run in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup.

However, while Gotham FC has not officially announced the trade, the club did confirm to The Athletic that the winger was traded to Houston. Yael Averbuch West told the publication that the "front office worked tirelessly to honor her request for a move." In other words, Ryan was responsible for the trade. Otherwise, it is unlikely she would have left after Williams' departure and Purce's unknown status.

Whether there was more to the story is unknown and the club did not release the reason why the forward requested to leave. It is possible she wanted to be closer to home, and Houston is one of the closer teams to Noman, Oklahoma, where Ryan grew up. She also has connections to the state of Texas since she attended Texas Christian University.

Regardless of the reason, Gotham is again showing they will put the players first. They have honored the requests of those on the team no matter how the loss hurt the club. It is admirable, for not everyone will do that in any of the sports leagues in the United States.

At the same time, Ryan will still be missed by the fans. Like Williams, she only spent two seasons with the NJ/NY side after her trade from Portland Thorns FC in 2023. Her hard work and dedication were on full display whether she was starting or on the bench. As mentioned, 2024 was a fantastic year and so many were excited to see what she would do in 2025.

Instead, Gotham FC lost another starter and talented player. They have a lot of work to do after these recent departures.