One day after announcing that rookie forward Jordynn Dudley had fractured her foot and would be placed on the season-ending injury list, Gotham FC confirmed Tuesday that defender Bruninha would join Dudley on the SEI list and undergo surgery to repair a torn ACL in her right knee.
Bruninha suffered the injury while on international duty in the 70th minute of Brazil’s 3-1 victory over rivals Argentina on Saturday.
The 24-year-old outside back has played in 15 NWSL matches this season, logging 383 minutes.
Gotham FC president of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West backs Bruninha to bounce back.
“Our entire organization is behind Bruna,” Averbuch West said. “We know she will work incredibly hard throughout her recovery process and come back stronger.”
Gotham FC Will Miss Bruninha’s Impact in the 2026 NWSL Playoffs
Bruninha is one of the club’s longest-serving players, having joined Gotham in August 2022 from Brazilian side Santos. During her time with the Bats, she has helped the organization capture two NWSL championships (2023, 2025), the inaugural 2024-25 Concacaf W Champions Cup and this season’s NWSL Challenge Cup.
The 5-foot-3 defender has made 76 NWSL regular-season appearances for Gotham.
Known for her skillfulness, crossing ability and one-on-one defending, Gotham had hoped that Bruninha would again play an important role in the postseason.
In last season’s NWSL Championship Game victory over the rival Washington Spirit, she assisted Rose Lavelle’s match-winning goal in the 80th minute.
Bruninha joins Dudley, Emily Sonnett and Kayla Duran on the SEI list.
Gotham FC will next face the Spirit at Audi Field on October 17.
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