Gotham FC and USWNT defender Emily Sonnett out for season after knee surgery

Gotham FC and U.S. women's national team defender Emily Sonnett will miss the rest of the NWSL season after undergoing surgery to repair the ruptured patellar tendon in her left knee.

The 32-year-old Sonnett suffered the non-contact injury in the seventh minute of last Friday's 2-2 draw with the Portland Thorns. After being tended to by medical personnel, she was stretchered off the Providence Park field.

"Emily has the full support of everyone at the club, and we will be with her every step of the way throughout her recovery," said team president of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West. "She is incredibly resilient, and we know she will return stronger."

Since signing with Gotham FC in 2024, Sonnett has made 64 appearances for the club, helping them to the NWSL Championship and Concacaf W Champions Cup last season and the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup. No other player in league history has won league titles with three different teams.

The three-time All-NWSL defender has also represented the USWNT 118 times since debuting in 2015. She has played in two Women's World Cups and two Olympics.

Gotham FC has not announced a definitive recovery period for Sonnett yet. The 2027 Women's World Cup kicks off next June in Brazil.

Through 17 matches, the reigning league champions are two points behind the Washington Spirit in second place with a 10-3-4 record.