Gotham FC midfielder Sofia Cook feels the confidence brimming in her game as she continues to make strides in her second NWSL season.
The 21-year-old has seen action in six of seven NWSL matches to open the 2026 season and most recently helped Gotham secure a 2-0 victory in Chicago in a substitute appearance against the Stars.
“I feel like this year I’ve hit a different stride,” Cook said during Friday’s pre-match press conference. “Starting out, it was adjusting to the level, and now I know my teammates better, and they know me better. I feel like I have my feet on the ground, and I’m having more fun on the field.”
Momentum Building in Cook’s Second NWSL Season
Cook has logged 131 minutes so far this season and has been effective when called upon to close out matches.
The former UCLA national champion has completed 83 percent of passes in her sophomore NWSL season while recording three shots (two on target), four successful dribbles, two tackles won and four fouls drawn.
Cook is willing to do whatever it takes to make a positive impact when summoned from the bench.
“I look at what’s happening in the game – whether it’s like against Chicago, if we’re up, I feel like I need to come in and help keep the win and connect my passes,” she explained. “If I come in and the game is tied or we’re down, then I know I need to use my creativity and attack going forward. It’s about being smart. I’d love to just get on and dribble, but if that’s not what the game needs, I’m not going to overdo it. Whatever I can do to help the team win.
“I just try to show up every day and commit to my process because it can be easy to get stuck in the highs or the lows. I try to stay levelheaded whether I’m getting 30 minutes or coming in for 10. It feels good to make an impact, and I just like playing soccer, so getting on the field is fun.”
Gotham Sees Bright Future in Cook
Cook’s value to Gotham was made clear when general manager and head of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West extended the midfielder’s contract through 2028.
“Sofia is a talented player with a very bright future ahead,” Averbuch West said after Cook put pen to paper on the extension in February. “We’re excited to continue supporting her development and believe this is an environment where she can really thrive.”
Cook and Gotham Look to Continue Winning Ways Against Racing Louisville
Gotham welcomes Racing Louisville FC to Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 5 p.m. Cook is looking forward to bouncing off the energy of the home supporters.
“I’m super excited,” she said. “I love playing at home in front of our fans. They bring so much energy. When a big tackle happens or someone beats their defender, you can feel that energy, and it fuels you. I’m really excited to play at home again.”
Gotham enters Sunday on a two-game winning streak. Another victory would push the Bats closer to the top of the NWSL table as they’re only separated by five points from first-place Portland.
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