Rose Lavelle (16) and Guro Reiten (18) of NJ/NY Gotham FC seen smiling before the match with Bay FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Final Score; Bay FC 0 : 3 Gotham FC.
Initially announced last month, Gotham FC formally welcomed Chelsea winger Guro Reiten to town for the rest of the 2026 NWSL season.
General manager Yael Averbuch West told reporters Wednesday that the club has been in contact with Reiten as soon as they were able to after finding out that her contract was going to expire with Chelsea. Reiten has played there since 2019, tallying 59 goals in 207 appearances.
“We think she’s going to be an amazing fit — not just on the field in what we’re trying to do and bringing another exciting element to our roster, but also seamlessly fitting into our locker room,” Averbuch West said. “We were looking for a left-footed, left-sided, attacking player who is intelligent, technically strong, has played at the highest level, and has winning experience.”
Reiten is on loan from Chelsea until July, when her contract expires, but she’s signed a deal with Gotham FC to remain with the club through 2029.
She will join some of her former Chelsea teammates at Sports Illustrated Stadium, like goalie Ann-Katrin Berger, who played for Chelsea from 2018 to 2024, and midfielder Jess Carter, who was with the club from 2018 to 2022.
“It’s good to have some familiar faces here,” Reiten told reporters on Wednesday. “I’ve heard a lot about the league and how tough it is and how every game is – everyone can beat everyone.”
Reiten added that it’s tough to decide where to go, but playing for the first time in the NWSL was a challenge she wanted to try.
The Norwegian winger has represented her country at multiple UEFA Women’s European Championships and FIFA Women’s World Cups, and has won 13 trophies with Chelsea. Averbuch West said the team values winning experience when it comes to recruiting — it goes without saying that Gotham’s a team with a championship pedigree, having won the NWSL title twice in the past three years.
“It’s about staying calm in tough moments, recognizing opportunities and knowing how to maximize them,” Averbuch West said. “Between our staff and player group, we have a lot of winning experience, and you can’t have enough of that. It’s a huge positive.”
Reiten made her team debut during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Bay FC.
“We have a lot of games coming quickly and a roster packed with talent,” Averbuch West said. “Like every player, she has to come in, prove herself, and fight for her spot. That’s the expectation for everyone.”
For more on Guro Reiten and Gotham FC, visit AMNY.com
