NWSL Free Agency may not have hit its peak, but momentum is building as players start putting pen to paper. With reports of super teams forming out East, it’s been imperative Angel City start locking in their available free agents, if they aren’t set to bring in any new talent. Today, the team did just that locking in the one of the most important members of 2023 who could have left as an unrestricted free agent. This afternoon the club announced the signing of 2023 Iron Woman defender, Sarah Gorden, to contract through 2026, with an option for 2027.
¡Vamos, @sarahlgorden!
📝 #AngelCityFC announced that Iron Woman defender Sarah Gorden has signed a new contract with the club through 2026 with a mutual option for 2027.Click below to read more.
— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) December 20, 2023
“I am full of gratitude and excitement to be re-signing with Angel City,” stated Gorden in a statement. “Los Angeles is home to me and my family and there’s no place we’d rather be. Last year was just a sneak peak into what this team is capable of. I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue to work, grow, and evolve as a player here. I want nothing more than to bring a championship home to LA!”
“This is a big signing for the club. With the competitive nature of free agency, we wanted to make sure Sarah continued to make LA her home,” stated General Manager Angela Hucles Mangano said in a statement. “She is a big part of how we move forward in the pursuit to win a championship. Her leadership on and off the field is critical to our success and we are thrilled that she will be on our roster for years to come.”
Gorden returned from a season-ending injury she sustained in the 2022 Preseason leading up to ACFC’s inaugural kickoff. She made an incredible comeback, recording 11 blocks and 21 interceptions in 2,070 minutes on the pitch in 2023. With 23 match appearances, Gorden also had a 79% passing success rate with 1,096 total passes, earning NWSL Best XI honors in the month of August and for the entire 2023 season.
Earlier in the day it was announced now former Angel City midfielder, Savannah McCaskill, signed with San Diego Wave. This signing was not only needed to ensure the team remain competitive for the seasons going forward, but it was some much needed good vibes during an offseason that has seen a club many would have hoped to make some noise, remain fairly quiet. Now the focus should shift to addressing the one major hole, midfield.
Thoughts on Sarah re-signing with Angel City? Leave a comment below!