Women`s World Cup champion Rose Lavelle is nearing her comeback after an ankle injury. Her return is expected to provide a significant and timely lift for both her club, NJ/NY Gotham FC in the NWSL, and the United States Women`s National Team.
Lavelle has been sidelined since December, following the USWNT`s 2-1 victory over the Netherlands, after undergoing ankle surgery. She has dedicated the past six months to rehabilitation. Her anticipated return might happen this Saturday, potentially marking her first appearance of 2024 as Gotham FC faces the Kansas City Current. Coach Juan Carlos Amoros indicated on Thursday that `if all goes well` leading up to the game, Lavelle `could play in some capacity`.
The midfielder`s return coincides with a crucial match against the Current, who currently lead the NWSL standings with eight wins in their first 10 games. Gotham, sitting ninth, could significantly benefit from this reinforcement, despite recently claiming the inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup title with a 1-0 win against Tigres.
Rose Lavelle`s Significance for Gotham FC
Gotham FC is currently just two points outside of a playoff position, a gap easily bridgeable with 16 games remaining. This highlights the timeliness of Lavelle`s return, particularly given the team`s somewhat inconsistent attacking performance so far this season.
The reigning 2023 NWSL champions are currently eighth in the league for goals scored, with only 12 goals in 10 matches. Notably, seven of these came from Spanish international Esther Gonzalez. Advanced statistics reinforce this picture, placing Gotham eighth for total shots (120) and expected goals (11.9), and sixth for shots on target (45). Their defensive record is relatively balanced, conceding 10 goals, which aligns with patterns seen in previous seasons under Coach Amoros.
Last season, Gotham FC also began slowly but ultimately finished third and reached the playoff semifinals, establishing themselves among the NWSL`s elite. Like this season, the team was defensively sound but needed time to find its attacking rhythm. Their offense significantly improved after Lavelle returned from a lower leg injury in April. She went on to record eight goals and one assist in 23 appearances, becoming one of only two Gotham players (alongside Gonzalez) in the NWSL`s top 10 scorers. A comparable impact is anticipated this season, arriving precisely when needed.
Lavelle`s Experience Boosts the USWNT
USWNT Head Coach Emma Hayes is strategically integrating new and less experienced players as she builds towards the 2027 Women`s World Cup. However, there remains a vital place for seasoned veterans during this transitional phase. Crystal Dunn highlighted the role of veterans in demonstrating `how hard it is to be here,` a role Lavelle is perfectly suited for with her extensive experience. Lavelle boasts two World Cup and two Olympic appearances, including one victory in each major tournament.
Beyond her experience, Lavelle brings significant on-field qualities. She has long been a key midfielder for the USWNT, often creating opportunities for the forwards in a team known for its attacking style. While her exact return date to the national team isn`t set – as Coach Hayes prefers players to fully recover before reintegration – she will undoubtedly add offensive creativity during this rebuilding phase.
Coach Hayes previously stated her aim to have a comprehensive understanding of her player pool by the end of the next international window in early July, although she still has ample time to evaluate options. In the attacking midfield role over the past six months, she has primarily rotated between Lindsey Heaps and Lily Yohannes. Lavelle`s availability adds another valuable option as Hayes starts finalizing her preferred squad and tactical setup for the 2027 campaign.
