Gotham FC completed one last bit of late business before Thursday’s 3 p.m. intraleague deadline closed, acquiring forward Olivia Wingate from the North Carolina Courage on a free transfer.
The 26-year-old joins the defending NWSL champions after spending four seasons with the Courage.
Wingate has been limited to five minutes of NWSL action across two appearances this season in her comeback from a knee injury that sidelined her for the entirety of 2025.
She underwent surgery on the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in her left knee in June 2025 and hasn’t played since May 23 of this season.
Yael Averbuch West Excited by Wingate’s Energy and Pace
Wingate’s arrival will add an extra layer of forward depth. Attackers Jaedyn Shaw and Jordynn Dudley have recently suffered injuries.
“Olivia is an energetic attacking player who brings pace, directness and a willingness to take on defenders,” Gotham FC president of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West said on Thursday. “She has shown she can contribute at the NWSL level, and we’re excited to add her to our group.”
Dudley missed last Sunday’s 1-1 home draw against Angel City FC, while Shaw has left the United States under-23 women’s national team training camp for what the national team described as “precautionary reasons due to a minor injury.”
Wingate, who will wear No. 29 for Gotham, is excited about her new opportunity. She is signed through the end of 2026.
Wingate Thrilled To Join Gotham FC: ‘I Can’t Wait To Get Started’
“I’m incredibly excited to join Gotham FC and become part of such an ambitious club,” Wingate said. “I can’t wait to get started, meet my new teammates and staff and compete for trophies together. I’m looking forward to getting to New Jersey and New York and getting to work!”
The pacey forward scored two goals and recorded five assists in 28 regular-season appearances for the Courage. She also scored twice in the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup, which North Carolina captured for a second time.
Wingate joins Shaw, Denise O’Sullivan, Meredith Speck and Tess Boade as former Courage players who’ve arrived at Gotham. Former Courage head coach Sean Nahas coached Wingate for two seasons in North Carolina.
Gotham FC will next face the rival Washington Spirit at Audi Field on October 17.
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