Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Emily Sonnett Out for NWSL Season After Patellar Tendon Surgery

Gotham confirmed the operation and pledged full support for her recovery, leaving questions about her fitness for the 2027 World Cup.

Overview

  • Sonnett suffered a non-contact rupture of her left patellar tendon early in Gotham’s 2-2 draw at the Portland Thorns on Friday, July 24 and was carried off on a stretcher.
  • Gotham announced on July 31 that Sonnett underwent surgery to repair the tendon and will miss the rest of the 2026 NWSL season, with no projected recovery timeline provided.
  • The club said it will fully support her through rehab as it adjusts its defensive rotation after Sonnett’s early exit from that match and her in-game replacement by Mandy Freeman.
  • Sonnett is a 32-year-old veteran with 118 caps for the U.S. women’s national team and multiple club trophies, and the lack of a timetable puts her availability for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil in doubt.
  • Ruptured patellar tendons generally require surgery and an extended rehabilitation period that can span roughly six to 12 months, which could affect Sonnett’s training and match readiness next year.