Sam Kerr scores first goal after Gotham return, Emily Sonnett taken off field on stretcher

Seven years after she left the National Women’s Soccer League as its most prolific scorer, Sam Kerr marked her return to the league with her first goal since rejoining Gotham FC, an equalizer against Portland Thorns.

The Australia striker was her own toughest critic, admitting she did not think much of her overall performance at Providence Park. But her goal in the 62nd minute saw Gotham tie 2-2, adding to goals from Midge Purce, Renee Lyles and Jessie Fleming. Jayden Perry was later sent off for the Thorns.

“I’m obviously happy to score, help the team, but I expect more from myself,” Kerr said post-match. “So I wasn’t too happy with how I played. Quite disappointing, to be honest.

“I thought we were quite poor today. But we’re probably lucky to get away with the tie in the end. I guess I am happy… that we didn’t lose.”

Kerr’s return has been one of the most significant acquisitions in Gotham’s history. The 32-year-old signed with the reigning NWSL champions through the 2030 season after leaving Chelsea this summer, returning to the club where she starred when it was still known as Sky Blue FC.

Emily Sonnett’s return to Providence Park, meanwhile, lasted just 11 minutes as the Gotham defender was taken off on a stretcher after appearing to suffer a left knee injury.

In the seventh minute, Sonnett sprinted to challenge Thorns forward Pietra Tordin for the ball and seemed to make little contact before collapsing to the turf. She immediately grabbed her left knee and signaled toward the Gotham bench for medical assistance.

After several minutes of treatment on the field, Sonnett was placed on a stretcher and carried off to a standing ovation from the Portland crowd, which remembered the former Thorns defender fondly. Mandy Freeman entered the match in her place.

Gotham said Sonnett will undergo further evaluation after the team returns to New Jersey and she won’t play Gotham’s next match against Bay FC in San Jose. The club expects to share more information on the player’s injury early next week.

The 32- year-old has rarely missed time through injury during her professional career but the implications of any absence would be significant for Gotham and the U.S. women’s national team, with the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil less than a year away. Emma Hayes has consistently relied on Sonnett’s versatility, deploying her wherever the squad’s greatest need arose, whether at center back, fullback or defensive midfield.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

US Women’s national team, Portland Thorns, Gotham FC, NWSL

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