Gotham goalkeeper and Queens native Michelle Betos, who made history in 2015 as the NWSL’s first goalie to score a goal, announced Wednesday morning her retirement from professional soccer.
Betos, 36, spent the final three years of her professional career with Gotham and was a member of the New York team that won the NWSL title in 2023.
In a brief statement, Betos said she accomplished everything she’s wanted to as a player.
“When I left college and began chasing this childhood dream, the one thing I knew would be required, and I knew I could control, is that I was going to give everything I had to this,” said Betos, the 2015 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year. “Walking away 15 years later, I can honestly say I did that and so much more.”
Betos starred in her four seasons at Georgia (2006-09), where she remains all over the Bulldogs record books. Betos leads the program in goalkeeper minutes and ranks fourth all-time with 316 career saves. She also ranks second in career goals-against average (1.05) and shutouts (25).
She went on to play for various clubs, including the New York Fury of the Women’s Premier Soccer League Elite in 2012. Betos was picked 34th overall in the 2012 NWSL Supplement Draft by Seattle Reign FC.
Betos also played for the Portland Thorns and Racing Louisville before landing in New York with Gotham. In total, she’s appeared in 96 games, ranking 11th all-time among goalkeepers.
Her career 385 saves are the ninth-most in NWSL history. She also posted 19 clean sheets, the 14th most in the league.
Betos’ dramatic stoppage-time header with the Portland Thorns remains one of the league’s most unique highlights. Bella Bixby in 2023 is the only other goalkeeper to score a goal in the league’s history.
Betos’ final 18 NWSL appearances came with Gotham, for whom she made 71 saves and recorded two shutouts in three seasons.
In 2023, Gotham nominated Betos for the Ally Award, which goes to the teammate who “embodies the spirit of the consummate teammate, inspiring rookies and veterans alike.”
“Michelle Betos has been an invaluable part of Gotham FC, both on and off the field,” Gotham FC general manager and head of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West said in a statement. “Thank you, Michelle, for everything you’ve given to this club and to the sport! PS: Now you can never score on me again.”