NJ/NY Gotham FC Forward Katie Stengel Signs Contract Extension Through 2026

Stengel has won two NWSL Championships with Gotham FC and scored crucial playoff goals.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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NJ/NY Gotham FC has announced that forward Katie Stengel has signed a contract extension to remain with the club through the 2026 season. The 33-year-old Stengel has been a key contributor to Gotham's success, winning two NWSL Championships in 2025 and 2023 and scoring crucial playoff goals in both seasons.

Why it matters

Stengel's contract extension ensures that one of the NWSL's top forwards will remain with Gotham FC, a perennial championship contender. Her experience and goal-scoring ability have been vital to the club's recent success, and her continued presence will help Gotham remain a force in the league.

The details

Stengel returned to Gotham FC in July 2026 after a stint with English club Crystal Palace. In the 2025 NWSL playoffs, her goal against the Kansas City Current secured Gotham's upset win over the Shield winners. In 2023, she scored the game-winning goal against the Portland Thorns in the semifinals. Stengel has made 55 appearances for Gotham FC, scoring 10 goals and adding 3 assists.

  • Stengel signed a contract extension with Gotham FC on February 24, 2026.
  • Stengel scored a key goal in the 2025 NWSL quarter-finals against Kansas City.
  • Stengel scored the game-winning goal against the Portland Thorns in the 2023 NWSL semifinals.

The players

Katie Stengel

A 33-year-old forward who has won two NWSL Championships with Gotham FC and scored crucial playoff goals.

Yael Averbuch West

The general manager and head of soccer operations for Gotham FC.

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What they’re saying

“This club has meant a lot to me, and I'm excited to continue this journey with Gotham. We've set a high standard here, and I'm motivated every day to help the team compete for championships.”

— Katie Stengel

“Katie has been a key contributor in our club's success and brings a wealth of experience to our group. She's a proven competitor who understands what it takes to win in this league, and we're excited to have her continue with us.”

— Yael Averbuch West, General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations, Gotham FC

The takeaway

Stengel's contract extension solidifies Gotham FC's status as a perennial NWSL contender, as the veteran forward's experience and goal-scoring ability have been crucial to the team's recent championship runs.