Gotham FC surprisingly trades Lynn Williams and Cassie Miller to Seattle Reign FC | OneFootball

NJ/NY Gotham FC has seen a few departures already in the offseason, including Delanie Sheehan and Sam Hiatt. Fortunately, the Bats have retained one player thus far with Mandy Freeman signing a new contract this week.

More moves will be made as the offseason progresses, and Friday saw Gotham FC trade two players. In a surprising move, although expected based on reports over the last few days, the Bats traded Lynn Williams and Cassie Miller to Seattle Reign FC. The club will receive "midfielder Jaelin Howell, $70,000 in allocation money and a 2025 international roster spot".

Gotham FC trades Lynn Williams and Cassie Miller

Since Ann-Katrin Berger will be the starter and Miller can start in the NWSL, her trade made sense. Gotham also has Abby Smith, so it would not make sense to have three goalkeepers who can start on the roster. This also leaves room to bring back Michelle Betos as the third keeper if the club desires to do so.

However, nobody expected Williams to leave the club. The forward has been superb for the Bats, even this season despite reduced playing time due to injury. She was a big part of why the team had their resurgence in 2023 and eventually became the NWSL Champions.

The USWNT player only spent two seasons with Gotham FC but was an immediate fan favorite. Her ability to play as a winger and center-forward made her valuable in the attack. Moreover, when she struggled to score, she was still impactful in creating chances and helping her fellow attackers in the final third. She is also one of the better defensive wingers in the NWSL.

Truthfully, it did not make sense to trade Williams. She was vital to the team. Yes, the other forwards proved they can play when she was not available. However, her production rate when she is on the pitch makes her such a coveted player in the NWSL.

But as fans will recall, Gotham FC is trying to put the players first, and apparently Williams requested the move. According to Sports Illustrated, the forward wanted to finish her career on the West Coast. Additionally, she would be closer to her hometown, family, and some of her friends in California. In that way, the trade does make sense.

Miller and Williams will be missed. At the same time, it will be interesting to see what Jaelin Howell will bring to Gotham FC.