HARRISON, NJ (Saturday, October 14, 2023) – NJ/NY Gotham FC looks to punch its ticket to the postseason, when the team takes on the Kansas City Current on NWSL Decision Day, Sunday at Red Bull Arena (5 p.m. ET, Paramount+). At the match, the club will celebrate the illustrious career of Olympian, two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, and Gotham FC captain Ali Krieger.
In more ways than one, Sunday’s match will be an exciting close to the 2023 campaign, marking Krieger’s final career regular season match of her career. The global soccer icon has 196 NWSL appearances across all competitions, with 175 appearances coming in the NWSL regular season. Additionally, Krieger is one of 14 players who has played in every NWSL season. More than her tremendous accolades on the field, Krieger is an inspiration and continues to impact many with her work off the field. She was among the U.S. Women’s National Team players, who led the fight for equal pay, is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and is a mother of two.
Heading into Sunday, Gotham FC controls its own destiny and can secure a playoff spot with a win. Despite last week’s result, Gotham is still fourth in the table with 30 points. Although Kansas City has been eliminated from playoff contention, the Current are coming off a 6-3 win against the Chicago Red Stars. Last time these two teams squared off, the Current won 2-0 behind a brace from Debinha on April 30, just the fifth match into the 2023 season.
Before the match kicks off, the Gotham FC Fan Fest presented by CarMax will be open from 2:30-4:30 p.m. ET outside of Gate B at Red Bull Arena. Gotham FC Fan Fest activities will include face painting, hair braiding, lawn games and much more.
GOTHAM FC SCENARIOS
It’s win and in. With a win on Sunday, Gotham FC will clinch a playoff spot and earn a top four seed, which will allow the club to host a quarter final match.
To Earn a Top Four Seed:
To Clinch a Playoff Spot:
COMMEMORATIVE APPAREL
As a part of Sunday’s celebration for Krieger, the club teamed up with Ally for a pair of exclusive t-shirts, one black shirt and one white shirt, honoring the legacy of the soccer icon. The black shirt celebrates Krieger’s strength, resilience, and ongoing impact, while the white shirt is for the millions of Krieger fans around the world as it proudly showcases her iconic no. 11. Fans can purchase the shirt at Red Bull Arena on Sunday or online at GothamFCShop.com.
POSTGAME CEREMONY
A special postgame celebration will take place following Sunday’s match to honor global soccer icon Ali Krieger. The program will feature a formal presentation in addition toa video compilation that includes tributes from Krieger’s former teammates, current teammates, and celebrity friends. Media members are encouraged to remain at the stadium for the postgame celebration. Following the celebration, Krieger will be available during the postgame press conference.
ALI KRIEGER TAKES NEW YORK CITY
NJ/NY Gotham FC celebrated Krieger’s curtain call in true New York City style at the city’s most talked about landmarks. On Thursday, Gotham FC surprised its captain with a tribute billboard in Times Square – complete with a high-fashion photo shoot.
Also on Thursday, the captain was treated to a special lunch and a photoshoot that was literally on top of the world, courtesy of One World Observatory. Suited-up and styled-out, Krieger overlooked New Jersey and New York – the unique home of the club – to take in the visuals of the Brooklyn Bridge and the span of her reach from the Empire State Building to Red Bull Arena.
The week of celebrations concluded on Friday, with as Gotham FC secured a spot for Ali Krieger to ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange surrounded by the club.