Gotham FC forward Jenna Bike (44) dribbles the ball past Racing Louisville FC defender Nealy Martin (17). (EM Dash-USA TODAY Sports)
NJ/NY Gotham FC has signed forward Jenna Bike through the 2022 season with an option for an additional year following her National Team Replacement Player contract, the National Women’s Soccer League club announced Friday.
Bike was released following her NTRP stint but was signed to a senior contract this week.
“We are very happy to be able to add Jenna to our roster,” general manager Yael Averbuch said in a statement. “In her time with the club, she has consistently contributed positively to the team environment, and we are excited to watch her continue to grow as a player.”
Gotham FC had four players – Estelle Johnson with Cameroon, Ifeoma Onumonu with Nigeria, and Kristie Mewis and Midge Purce with the U.S.) representing their countries during the July Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Bike was signed for the international window in June and July, making three appearances during the international break. She played 45 minutes, on July 2 vs. Chicago, six minutes on July 8 at Louisville, and 30 minutes on July 16 at Portland.
“I am so pleased for Jenna. She’s worked her socks off for this. Not just in our training but all of her career,” head coach Scott Parkinson said in a statement. “She’s a runner and a battler, and shows great quality in attack. She’s exactly the type of player we want to represent us at Gotham FC. “
Bike was invited to preseason camp and is a product of Boston College, where she was a two-time captain. Bike was a force for the Eagles, registering 18 goals and 15 assists in 89 games played from 2016-21. The Trumbull, Conn. native also led Boston College in shot attempts in her final two seasons with the program.
Gotham FC is back in action at Chicago Red Stars on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.
