Emily Sonnett, a defender for Gotham FC and a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, suffered a non-contact knee injury during the early minutes of the match against the Portland Thorns on Friday. The incident occurred just seven minutes into the game at Providence Park, when Sonnett fell to the ground after planting her left foot on the artificial turf as she attempted to protect her teammate.
Team trainers quickly attended to Sonnett, who called for assistance before being taken off the field on a stretcher. According to a Gotham FC spokesperson, “Gotham FC defender Emily Sonnett left Friday’s game in Portland with a suspected left knee injury. She will undergo further testing in New Jersey.”
Player Reactions
Gotham winger Midge Purse described Sonnett’s injury as “scary,” while forward Sam Kerr expressed her upset at the sudden turn of events. “It’s always tough when you lose one of your best players,” said acting head coach Sean Harris. “Emily organizes the team effectively and understands our game plan. Her presence is crucial, and losing her early was definitely unexpected.”
Sonnett is not only a key defender but also embodies leadership on and off the field. “Emily is one of our key players; her absence is felt deeply,” Harris added.
Defensive Powerhouse
A pivotal figure in Gotham’s robust defensive lineup, Sonnett was instrumental in helping the team concede only 10 goals in 15 matches prior to the injury. Her experience extends well beyond the NWSL, as she has earned 118 caps with the U.S. women’s national team, including five appearances this year. Sonnett is also expected to be a part of the U.S. squad for the upcoming 2027 World Cup.
Moreover, she recently signed a new contract with Gotham FC, extending her commitment through the 2028 NWSL season, highlighting her importance to the club.
Match Highlights
The match saw an exciting start, with the Thorns taking an early lead less than two minutes in. Portland’s Renee Lyles equalized in the 21st minute, marking her first professional goal. Thorns midfielder Jesse Fleming then put his team back in front eight minutes after halftime. However, Kerr managed to equalize for Gotham in the 62nd minute, marking her first goal since returning to the team and extending her NWSL record to 78 regular-season goals.
Gotham faced an advantage when Thorns defender Jaden Perry received a red card for denying Kerr a clear scoring opportunity in the 73rd minute. Despite this advantage, Gotham struggled to capitalize on their superior numbers.
Reflections on the Game
Reflecting on the match, Kerr admitted, “I thought I was pretty poor today, to be honest. We might have been lucky to escape with a tie.” She acknowledged the importance of not conceding a goal late in the game, despite the challenges faced.
Milestone Return
Friday’s match was also significant for Thorns forward Morgan Weaver, who made his first competitive appearance in 621 days after a severe knee injury and complications during recovery. Weaver stepped onto the field in the 76th minute, marking a triumphant return for the skilled attacker.
