Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle is in the NWSL's concussion protocol process and will miss at least Friday's match against the Portland Thorns.
Lavelle sustained a head injury in the first half of her team's scoreless draw with Angel City FC on Sunday. The United States international fell to the ground and hit her head about a half-hour into that match.
"They're checking her. She's going through the testing but she's in concussion protocol, so she won't be available tomorrow," Gotham acting head coach Shaun Harris said on Thursday.
Lavelle has four goals in 19 matches for Gotham FC this season.
She also exited Gotham's 1-0 loss to Corinthians in January's FIFA Champions Cup with an apparent head injury but returned for the start of the NWSL season and international matches in March.
Lavelle scored the game-winning goal in last year's NWSL Championship to clinch a second league title in three years for Gotham FC. She has dealt with various injuries in the past, including ankle surgery in early 2025.
Lavelle is one of the United States' most experienced active players with 29 goals in 122 caps. She scored in the 2019 World Cup final as the U.S. won a second straight title.
Gotham is unbeaten in nine straight games and seven points clear atop the table heading into Friday's match, but the defending NWSL champions are dealing with several injuries.
Defender Emily Sonnett is out for the year due to a ruptured patellar tendon.
Midfielder Denise O'Sullivan has missed recent matches with a knee issue. Harris said O'Sullivan has returned to training and will be available for selection on Friday.
