NWSL NJ/NY Gotham FC

Gotham Re-Signs Brazilian National Team Defender Bruninha Through 2025

August 31, 2023 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release


HARRISON, NJ - NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women's Soccer League today announced that Brazilian National Team defender Bruninha has signed a new contract to remain with the club through the 2025 season.

"I am thrilled to continue my career at Gotham FC and to be a part of the great future that the club is building here," said Bruninha. "The inspiring environment encourages me to give my all every day in training and at games, and I am enjoying life both on and off the field in New Jersey and New York."

The skillful young defender - who initially joined the club on a two-year deal in Aug. 2022 - has enjoyed a breakout campaign this season. In May at only age 20, Bruninha became the youngest player ever in club history to score in NWSL competition, and she did it in back-to-back games. Bruninha scored her first Gotham FC goal against OL Reign on May 21 and then scored in the immediate next match against the Washington Spirit on May 28. Striking with precision, both finishes came on her only two regular season shots on goal to date.

"Bruninha has understood really well our playing style and has adapted fantastically to it. She is definitely someone who can help the growth of the club and is a pleasure to work with her everyday," said Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amoros. "She has great skill on the ball, and she is strong in 1v1 defending. She can read the game well, and has the ability to be a dangerous part of our attack. She is an exciting player for our fans. We are delighted to see her continue with the club for years to come."

Now age 21, Bruninha has appeared in 16 games, earning 14 starts for Gotham FC across all NWSL competitions. Her growing list of accolades includes NWSL Player of the Week for Week 9, NWSL Save of the Week for Week 10 (shared with Gotham FC goalkeeper Abby Smith), and NWSL Best XI for the month of May.

"As we continue building on the long-term vision for Gotham FC to perennially be among the top teams in the league, Bruninha is a crucial and consistent piece of maintaining a strong defensive unit," said Gotham FC General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations Yael Averbuch West. "Her skill and international experience are important elements that contribute to the solid core of strong players around her."

On the global stage, Bruninha made her FIFA Women's World Cup debut appearance this summer in Brazil's 4-0 win over Panama in the Group Stage. She has earned six total caps and four starts for the senior team, dishing out an assist against Argentina in a friendly on Sept. 17, 2021 and an assist against the U.S. Women's National Team in the 2023 SheBelieves Cup on Feb. 22.

Prior to earning a call-up to the senior team, Bruninha was no stranger to the international scene. The defender was a member of the Brazil squad that won the 2022 Campeonato Sudamericano Femenino Sub-20 (U-20 South American Championship), and she played a pivotal role as captain last year of Brazil's impressive performance to finish in third place at the U-20 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Gotham FC is back in action on Saturday, Sept. 2 at the North Carolina Courage before the club returns home on Sunday, Sept. 16 against the Washington Spirit. Tickets are available at GothamFC.com.

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