Gotham FC is no stranger to starting the NWSL Season on the road, as in the most recent seasons the start of the NWSL season is away from the friendly confines of Sports Illustrated Stadium.
What is going to be the biggest test for the ladies is the fact that they are going up against a Seattle team and playing in Lumen Field which in the past is a challenge.
There is a ton of new things that are going to be seen for the ladies of Gotham FC in the 2025 Season, including the fact that they have names such as Sofia Cook, Stella Nyamekye and Gabi Portilho on the roster.
That and with the returning players and the play of goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger there is a ton to look forward to when it comes time to the start of the match on Saturday.
Head Coach Juan Carlos Amoros took the time to interact with members of the media on Friday via Zoom and shared a wide range of thoughts and feelings.
The topics that Coach Amoros talked about was on the start of the year, on how the team’s chemistry is being fostered thus far, on the newer players and more.
When it comes time for the newer faces on the squad Coach Juan had this to say, “We have a big group of young players. Some of them came with us to training last year and showed us they can be ready for the style of play that we are about to present on the field. We are excited to see these players and the energy and personalities they bring. We are also wanting to see the challenges they go through.”
When it comes time for the start of the NWSL Season things are going to be quite fascinating for Gotham, as the ladies have bonded together and built a chemistry. That was one of the things that Coach reflected on by saying, “It is a very different integration this year versus last. Process of intergration is different. This year most of the new players are with us for the whole preseason. It is going to be difficult to judge where we stand, but the team is ready to compete and win tomorrow in a dificult place in Seattle.”
The one trend that the ladies and Coach are hoping to be a trend in the 2025 Season is the team’s defense. The ladies were able to tie for the league’s best defensive record, while having nine clean sheets.
“Last year we took pride on defense. We are a team that defends well. The way we play defense is aggressive. Everyone needs to sacrifice themelsves to get that success,” Coach Juan said of the team’s defense. He also shared these thoughts on AKB, “Ann is one of the best goalkeeper in the world and at the moment for us as well…that is because of how she adapted to the style of play we have. The way she conducts herself on and off the bench is a priviledge to work with.”
As for when it comes time for playing Seattle the team hopes to replicate the meeting that they had in 2024 in which the team won 2-0 in the match played in September. Leading the way in that match in scoring was Esther and Delanie Sheehan.
The Reign have a great overall record against Gotham FC however as they have a 12-9-8 all-time record.
Can the newer faces and play of Katrin Berger help the team win the first three points of the 2025 Season.
That can only be seen on Saturday, March 15 as the ladies of Gotham FC takes on the Seattle Reign at Lumen Field with the start time of the match scheduled for 10 p.m. For anyone wanting to catch the action they can do so by watching the ladies on the ION Network.
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