Angel City's Bold Gamble: Nealy Martin Reveals the Inside Story Behind Her Shocking Gotham Exit
Without question, Nealy Martin has established herself as a Gotham FC icon. Following her signing with Racing Louisville in 2021 through an open tryout, the Alabama-born player joined the NJ/NY club via waivers after the 2022 campaign, quickly becoming a central figure in their midfield.
She played a crucial role in the team's remarkable worst-to-first 2023 National Women's Soccer League Championship journey, most notably during her legendary emergency goalkeeper performance after Mandy McGlynn received a red card. That moment cemented her status as a beloved figure among supporters and demonstrated her willingness to sacrifice for team success.
However, Martin is now seeking a new beginning. She desires to start fresh, somewhere she can encounter different challenges and advance her professional trajectory. Therefore, the 27-year-old midfielder made the tough choice to depart Gotham and accept a transfer to Angel City FC.
"It would have required something truly extraordinary to pull me away from Gotham, given my love for the people, supporters, and what we accomplished during my tenure there, but sometimes career advancement requires change and stepping outside your comfort zone," Martin explains to Sports Illustrated. "I believe I've discovered all those elements at Angel City."
Martin, captivated by the investment, infrastructure and personnel in Los Angeles, described this chance as unmissable—one that would advance her career while enabling her to contribute to a new organization in her characteristic all-in manner.
"I'm prepared to fulfill whatever role the team requires, and I genuinely hope to assist them both on and off the pitch in every possible way," Martin states. "I'm ready and enthusiastic."
Martin will be eligible to play immediately for Angel City in their upcoming away fixture against North Carolina this Saturday. Sitting in 10th position and coming off a 3–1 defeat at Gotham, Angel City remains just three points from playoff contention. A few victories could quickly return the Los Angeles club to competitive relevance.
"We are delighted to bring Nealy to Angel City," stated Angel City sporting director Mark Parsons. "Nealy is an NWSL champion who brings excellent character and leadership qualities to our squad. Her technical ability, playmaking skills, and tireless defensive work will be valuable additions to our playing philosophy. We eagerly anticipate her joining [manager] Alex [Straus] and the team."
Angel City has recently garnered attention with the exit of star forward Alyssa Thompson to Chelsea in the WSL. According to The Guardian, Thompson departed for a record-breaking fee reportedly approaching $1.5 million plus additional performance-based incentives. The club also transferred defender Alanna Kennedy and midfielder Katie Zelem to WSL's London City Lionesses.
Martin's adaptability as both a defensive midfielder and defender makes her a sensible acquisition for Angel City. The team currently maintains a goal differential of minus-6 with 31 goals conceded, ranking third-highest in the league. With one defeat, two victories and two draws across their last six matches, Angel City are gradually improving their results, and Martin, who topped Gotham FC in interceptions (44) last season, could be the missing piece.
"I'm thrilled about developing relationships with the players here, forming new friendships, experiencing a fresh beginning and contributing however possible," Martin explains. "I don't know any of [the roster players] personally, and I'm genuinely excited about this clean slate, to be honest. You can make whatever impression you choose."
Despite this thrilling new phase awaiting her, Martin continues contemplating her years at Gotham. The farewells proved challenging and quite emotional. However, her teammates and coaching staff supported her throughout, even during the final training sessions after news of the pending transfer emerged.
"It's difficult to express in words," Martin reflects on her Gotham experience. "Going from the waiver wire to Gotham after being an open tryout player at Louisville, to capturing the championship with Gotham the following year—when I consider everything, it's remarkable. Honestly, the only word that comes to mind is grateful. I'm incredibly thankful for all of it."
For Martin, her career has consistently involved taking risks, and this Angel City opportunity follows that pattern.
"Career opportunities arise that you don't want to miss, and this represented one for me," she explains. "It was a strategic gamble I'm willing to make, and I'm eager to begin."
While she'll miss the bagels, and especially the people, Martin is prepared for her new West Coast adventure. Though she's never resided there, every visit has felt like home. The lifestyle suits her character, and she anticipates enjoying the year-round outdoor opportunities available for both herself and her dog, Jax.
"During Jax's first week with me, I brought him to the beach, so he'll be returning to familiar territory on the West Coast," Martin shares.
With some wistfulness for what she's leaving, Martin looks forward to working with her new squad, hoping for acceptance from Angel City's passionate fanbase and preparing to engage with the community.
"Getting to know the Gotham supporters and experiencing their backing was incredible—it's so vital," Martin notes. "I'm extremely excited because whenever I've played in LA, it's always been an amazing atmosphere. The fans arrive and deliver, so having them now supporting me will be wonderful."