HARRISON, N.J. (AP) — Defending champion NJ/NY Gotham FC has acquired German international goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger from Chelsea FC Women in exchange for an undisclosed transfer fee.

Gotham announced the deal on Friday, noting Berger has signed a one-year contract through 2024, with an option for the 2025 National Women’s Soccer League season.

Berger has played with Chelsea of the Women’s Super League since 2019, helping the club secure the WSL title for four straight seasons from 2019-23. She was a part of the German squad that competed in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

“Ann is a very strong and experienced goalkeeper, who is a true professional. She brings international experience and has performed really well consistently at the highest level,” Gotham coach Juan Carlos Amoros said.

Before Chelsea, Berger played for Birmingham from 2016-19. In 2017, she was named the WSL 1 Players’ Player of the Year, alongside Manchester City’s Jill Scott, after returning from thyroid cancer. The goalkeeper closed out the season by being named to the Professional Footballer’s Association Women’s Team of the Year. Berger also spent time with Paris Saint-Germain from 2014-16.

Berger began her professional career in Germany at Sindelfingen before making a move to Turbine Potsdam.

Gotham released goalkeeper Erin McKinney.

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