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Jeff Kassouf
Multiple Authors
Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle has entered the NWSL’s concussion protocol and will not play in Friday’s upcoming match against the Portland Thorns.
Lavelle suffered a head injury during the first half of her team’s scoreless draw against Angel City FC on Sunday, falling hard to the ground and hitting her head roughly 30 minutes into the game.
“They are evaluating her. She’s currently undergoing tests and is in concussion protocol, so she won’t be playing tomorrow,” Gotham acting head coach Shaun Harris stated on Thursday.
This season, Lavelle has scored four goals in 19 appearances for Gotham FC.
She previously suffered a head injury during Gotham’s 1-0 defeat to Corinthians in the FIFA Champions Cup in January but made her return for the NWSL season and international matches in March.
Lavelle netted the decisive goal in last year’s NWSL Championship, securing Gotham FC a second league title in three years. Throughout her career, she has faced various injuries, including undergoing ankle surgery in early 2025.
One of the most seasoned players in the U.S. squad, Lavelle boasts 29 goals in 122 caps. She was a key player in the 2019 World Cup final, contributing to the U.S. team’s second consecutive championship.
Heading into Friday’s match, Gotham is unbeaten in nine games and holds a seven-point lead at the top of the table, but the defending NWSL champions are grappling with multiple injuries.
Defender Emily Sonnett is out for the rest of the season due to a ruptured patellar tendon.
Midfielder Denise O’Sullivan recently missed games due to a knee problem but has returned to training and will be available for selection on Friday.