© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
As NJ/NY Gotham FC continues their rebuild following their last-place finish in the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League season, the club announced on Thursday that midfielder Victoria Pickett has signed a new contract with the New Jersey-based club. With this updated contract, Pickett will stay with Gotham through the 2025 season with a mutual option for a fourth year.
“We have made this commitment to Victoria because we see her as a core player for Gotham FC,” Yael Averbuch West, general manager of Gotham FC, said. “We are very proud that she had a rewarding experience with us late in the season and recognized the quality of the club we are building. Finalizing a long-term agreement with Victoria is a great way for us to head into the holiday break. This is a day of celebration for our club and our fans.”
Pickett, who was the 15th overall draft pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft, joined Gotham FC in August 2022 following a trade with the Kansas City Current. The Ontario native made a quick impact for a struggling team, starting four out of the six matches she played.
“I am beyond excited to sign a new contract with Gotham FC. The vision and goals of the club align with what I expect out of myself and out of a professional environment, so it was a no-brainer to re-sign with Gotham,” Pickett said. “When I was traded from the KC Current near the tail end of this past season, I was a little nervous about how I would fit in. But in such a short amount of time I had found my second home in Gotham FC. I was not only accepted, but embraced by my teammates, staff, and community. Gotham FC is an incredible organization and I look forward to contributing to the success of the club both on and off the pitch, and I will do everything I can for this club.”
Prior to her time at Gotham, Pickett was a 2021 finalist for Rookie of the Year. She has represented Canada at the U-17 and U-20 levels, and had a decorated college career at the University of Wisconsin.
Pickett’s contract extension demonstrates a Gotham side that is committed to the future of their club and looking to climb the table for the 2023 season. The club has already re-signed many of their free agents including Ifeoma Onumonu, Taylor Smith and Mandy Freeman, along with a few other off-season moves aimed at bolstering their roster heading into the NWSL’s 11th season.
Next, Gotham will likely be looking towards the NWSL Draft next month — Jan. 12, at 6 pm in Philadelphia at the United Soccer Coaches Convention — to add more young talent to strengthening roster.
