Sunday evening the franchise of Gotham FC had a day that is to be remembered for a very long time.
While focusing the efforts on repeating as the NWSL Champions and making the way back to that grander stage where they can play for the ultimate prize, the ladies and franchise also took time and careful planning when it came time to telling the story that is Kelley O’Hara.
O’Hara a true leader and influence in the sport of soccer having a career that most only dream about, having to make a tough decision in stepping into the next chapter of her life as an athlete was honored by Gotham FC during the team’s final regular season opener.
The day as a whole came together in q memorable way, as the ladies of Gotham FC were able to coordinate things in a way that many are going to talk about for many years to come.
Starting with the lighting of the Gotham FC torch by O’Hara, then with the reel of the movie then turning to the action on the pitch between the ladies and Orlando Pride.
Fans are encouraged to give a listen to the following audio files from the match:
Yazmeen Ryan
Ella Stevenson
Assistant Coach Shaun Harris:
We also have the following photo gallery that we encourage fans to give a view too:
The Pride currently in first place in the NWSL are the team to beat when it comes time for the hope to claim a second championship, and Gotham FC showed that they have exactly what they are hopeful not only in terms of players but also strategy and play on the pitch-in what was a perfectly executed match at Red Bull Arena.
Gotham with full momentum and all players putting scoring opportunities toward the net, getting rewarded with a goal by Sam Hiatt at the 13′. For Hiatt the goal was an emotional one, as it was her first with the franchise.
Then going from there in what was an incredible display of defense as the ladies had to execute and communicate on all levels to keep the ladies of Orlando to only one goal by Adriana at the 31′.
From there if Sunday were a movie, it would have went exactly the way it did as just as extra time struck, so did Rose Lavelle with a goal at the 45 +1′.
As the ladies completed the halftime session it was all about the team continuing to play a stellar defensive match and continuing to see if they can increase the lead and doing so on a goal by Ella Stevens at the 49′.
Finally, when the final whistle sounded, and three points were earned it was time for Kelley to take center stage in one final moment to wrap up an astounding career.
The story of O’Hara and the legacy that she left behind in the sport was one that was told beautifully by the franchise of Gotham FC, as they had well wishes filmed by everyone that knows and loves Kelley.
They were able to get filmed messages by teammates from the U.S. Women’s National team, from her teammates on the Washington Spirit and her teammates at Gotham FC as well as Head Coach Juan Carlos Amoros.
Overall, the day is a magical one and touched all the points that many that love and support the Gotham FC franchise had hoped for, as well as giving the ladies the momentum they are hoping for to wrap up the NWSL regular season.
Up next for the ladies are going to be two matches on the road against Kansas City and Utah, before the franchise has an opportunity to host the first ever playoff match at Red Bull Arena with the information for that event to be announced in the upcoming weeks.
For more information on Gotham FC fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: