NJ/NY Gotham acquire University of North Carolina player Brianna Pinto

NWSL team NJ/NY Gotham acquired University of North Carolina standout Brianna Pinto on a two-year contract after being selected as third overall draft pick in January. The midfielder was recently recognized for her talent, being as a 2021 Mac Hermann Trophy finalist - the most coveted individual honor in NCAA Division 1 soccer.

"We are really happy to welcome Brianna to the team following the completion of her college season," said Head Coach Freya Coombe. "She has joined us in training this week and is already showing the quality of her finishing and her competitiveness. She is embracing our style of play and is a fantastic addition to our midfield." 

This is the 21-year old midfielder’s first professional contract, making a jump from college soccer to the National Women’s Soccer League with Gotham. During her career at the University of North Carolina, Pinto made two College Cup Finals and one semi-final. She started 64 of her 65 matches, recording 23 goals and 16 assists. She was consecutively called up to the First Team All-ACC selection in her four years for her fantastic efforts on the pitch. 

“Going into the 2021 NWSL Draft, we were hoping for a scenario where Brianna would be available at the number 3-slot,” said General Manager Alyse LaHue. “She’s a player that stood out to me from the time I watched her as a freshman at UNC, so it’s fantastic to have the opportunity for her to join Gotham FC as a professional.”

Internationally, Pinto is working tirelessly to distinguish herself among the rest. She’s worked the ranks, being a regular fixture in the U.S. Youth National team programs and training with the Under-14, Under-17, Under-19, Under-20, and Under-23 teams.

She earned her first call up to the senior Women’s National Team in 2017 for camp and subsequently made the roster for the SheBelieves Cup. In 2019, Pinto was named as the U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year.