Defending NWSL champions and current NWSL Shield leaders Gotham FC will be without two important players as the playoffs near after forward Jordynn Dudley and defender Bruninha each suffered season-ending injuries.
Bruninha was stretchered off the field in Brazil's 3-1 victory over Argentina on Saturday in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The Brazilian federation (CBF) later announced that she tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee.
Gotham announced on Monday that the team placed rookie forward Dudley on the NWSL's season-ending injury list after she sustained a foot fracture during training earlier this month.
Dudley has four goals and three assists in 25 regular-season matches this year. She started 20 of those matches for a Gotham team loaded with talent. She also scored in Gotham's NWSL Challenge Cup victory over the Kansas City Current in June.
"We're disappointed for Jordynn after the outstanding rookie season she has had," Gotham FC president of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West said in a statement. "She made an impact all over the field and played an important role in our push for the NWSL Shield and strong finish to the 2026 campaign.
"We'll support Jordynn throughout her recovery and do everything we can to help her return healthy for next season."
Bruninha said in a message on social media on Monday that she is "grateful" even in a difficult moment, and that she dreams of getting back on the field.
The timing of her ACL tear likely means she will miss the 2027 World Cup, which Brazil is hosting.
Bruninha played a major role for Gotham in their 2023 and 2025 NWSL Championship titles, featuring as a regular starter in those years as a fullback and a winger.
Her minutes have been limited this year due to injuries.
Gotham FC also suffered a scare when playmaker Jaedyn Shaw left U23 USWNT camp last week as a precaution due to an unspecified issue.
Earlier this year, Gotham FC lost defender Emily Sonnett to a season-ending injury, a ruptured patellar tendon in her left knee.
Gotham currently has a 4-point lead atop the NWSL table with three games to play in the regular season. They are seeking a first NWSL Shield in club history.