Rose Lavelle, a key player and Women`s World Cup winner, is nearing her comeback after recovering from an ankle injury. Her anticipated return is expected to significantly strengthen both her NWSL team, NJ/NY Gotham FC, and the U.S. Women`s National Team.
Lavelle`s last appearance was in December during the USWNT`s 2-1 victory over the Netherlands. She subsequently had surgery for the ankle injury and has been in recovery for the past six months. Her potential return match is this Saturday as Gotham FC faces the Kansas City Current. Head coach Juan Carlos Amoros indicated on Thursday that if her recovery progresses as planned, she might see some playing time in the upcoming game.
Her return comes ahead of a crucial match against the league-leading Kansas City Current. Gotham FC, currently in ninth place, significantly needs her contribution despite recently winning the first-ever Concacaf W Champions Cup by defeating Tigres 1-0.
Significance for Gotham FC
Gotham is presently just two points shy of a playoff position, a gap that is easily bridgeable with 16 matches remaining. Given their somewhat inconsistent attacking performance this season, Lavelle`s return is particularly timely.
The defending NWSL champions have struggled offensively, ranking eighth in the league with only 12 goals in 10 matches, nearly half of which were scored by Esther Gonzalez. Their offensive metrics, including shots and expected goals, also place them around eighth in the league. Defensively, they have conceded 10 goals, maintaining a defensive solidity consistent with previous seasons under coach Amoros.
Last season, Gotham also started slowly but improved significantly to finish third and reach the playoff semifinals, establishing themselves among the league`s elite. Like this year, the team was defensively strong but initially lacked offensive spark. Their attack notably improved after Lavelle returned from a lower leg injury in April, contributing eight goals and one assist in 23 games and finishing as one of the league`s top scorers. Her potential impact this season could mirror that performance, arriving at a crucial point in the schedule.
Value for the USWNT
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes is incorporating new talent as she builds towards the 2027 Women`s World Cup, but experienced players remain vital. Veteran Crystal Dunn highlighted the role of seasoned players in demonstrating the demands of playing at the highest level, a role Rose Lavelle`s extensive experience perfectly fits. Lavelle has participated in two World Cups and two Olympic Games, winning one title in each major tournament.
Beyond her experience, Lavelle offers significant on-field contributions. She has long been a crucial midfielder for the USWNT, known for creating scoring opportunities in a team renowned for its offensive style. While her exact return date to the national squad is uncertain, particularly as Coach Hayes is cautious about rushing players back from injury, Lavelle is expected to add creative offensive talent during the team`s current transitional phase.
Coach Hayes mentioned aiming to have a clear understanding of her player options by early July, though she retains flexibility. She has recently rotated Lindsey Heaps and Lily Yohannes in the attacking midfield role. Lavelle`s availability provides another strong option as Hayes continues to evaluate and finalize the ideal squad and formation for the 2027 campaign.
Benedict Kingsley 
Adrian Whitmore