Even though the result wasn’t a victory, the fact that Gotham FC got to continue to bring the type of soccer they can play in front of an international audience along with being able to play against one of the best teams in the world was a victory for the ladies of New York/New Jersey.
With one of the more iconic figures in Women’s Sports in Billie Jean King in attendance to help the ladies light up the Gotham FC Torch, it is in a way an incredible moment for the ladies of Gotham FC as they are embarking on a journey of getting the sport and their brand into a larger and larger audience.
Going up against a very speedy Chelsea FC and falling by a final of 3-1, the lone goal of the night for the home side ironically came from former Chelsea defender Jess Carter.
Carter spoke a bit about her journey and why she decided to sign with Gotham FC and the story in itself is something that is going to be covered in depth by those in the soccer world.
To hear more of what Carter and her journey with Gotham FC fans are encouraged to check out the following…..
Fans are encouraged to give a visit to our photo gallery from the match between Gotham and Chelsea FC:
To see the total development of Jess as a player is going to be one to watch for as the 2024 season progresses as Head Coach Juan Carlos Amoros is bringing the best of all of the players he has on the roster.
Fans are encouraged to check the audio file below to hear more thoughts from Coach Amoros after the match versus Chelsea:
There were some other moments that had the fans at Red Bull Arena oohing and ahhing for the ladies of Gotham FC as Yazmeen Ryan tried for a direct shot in the 35th minute.
In the pleasant surprises of the night the fans got to see Esther making her first appearance since June 8 and goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger making her first appearance in the second half since securing the Bronze Medal during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Another great story of the night came when Kelly O’Hara appeared in the second half of play. Coach Amoros spoke about O’Hara and her journey back to the pitch and the quality of leadership and competitiveness that Kelly brings to the field, and the fans in attendance made sure to give her a warm welcome back to the squad with a great ovation.
As for Chelsea they showed the quality of the team that they had and won some fans in the New York Area over with the style of play that they had. Leading the way for the visiting side was Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd with two goals and Aggie Beever-Jones with a goal.
Soccer fans are encouraged to give a listen to the following audio file featuring thoughts from Manager Sonia Bompastor and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd:
The ladies of Gotham FC with the type of quality competition under the belt and with the addition of the Olympians on the team are going to get back to NWSL play on Saturday, August 24 when they take on the Portland Thorns in a match to be played at 2:30 p.m.
For more information on Gotham FC fans are encouraged to click on the link below:
NJ/NY Gotham FC (sportngin.com)
For more information on Chelsea FC fans are encouraged to click on the link below:
Homepage | Official Site | Chelsea Football Club (chelseafc.com)