HARRISON, NJ (May 10, 2023) – Gotham FC looks to continue its climb up the NWSL standings when the club hosts the Orlando Pride on Sunday, May 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Red Bull Arena. In addition to the matchup featuring a trio of stars from the Brazil Women’s National Team is Bruninha of Gotham FC and Marta and Adrianna of the Pride, the Mother’s Day match will have a special resonance for the mothers on the home club’s roster: U.S. Women’s National Team icons Allie Long and Ali Krieger.
In recognition of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, Gotham FC and Goldhouse are hosting a special pre-match panel, featuring Gotham FC owner Bobby Cho, at Red Bull Arena (details below). In addition GothamFC.com has special feature content on Bobby Cho and forward Nahomi “Naho” Kawasumi. Read more HERE.
A series of strategic offseason moves by GM Yael Averbuch West and the Soccer Operations team, the work of first-year Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós and his staff, and the commitment of all the players have led to an impressive start to the 2023 season for Gotham FC. In the first eight matches across all competitions, Gotham FC is 4-2-0 in the regular season and 1-0-1 in UKG NWSL Challenge Cup. Gotham FC and OL Reign are the only clubs with four regular season victories.
Gotham FC has been led by star forward Lynn Williams, an offseason acquisition who has scored six goals in eight matches across all competitions. Her four regular season goals place Williams in a six-way tie for the league lead. In addition to scoring two goals in three games, forward Midge Purce also has two assists – which ranks her tied for second in the league.
Jenna Nighswonger, the fourth overall selection in the 2023 NWSL Draft, has made an immediate impact, from substituting as a defender in her professional debut in Gotham FC’s season opener to scoring the opening goal in the club’s 2-1 victory in Chicago on May 7. As an illustration of the depth of the team’s roster, a league-high 23 players have appeared in matches for Gotham FC across all competitions – including all three goalkeepers: Abby Smith, Mandy Haught, and Michelle Betos. Only Gotham FC and OL Reign have utilized three goalkeepers in 2023.
Notes
Allie Long: A Mom and Athlete’s Late-Night Dedication, Gotham Family Road Trips
Gotham FC midfielder and U.S. Women’s National Team icon Allie Long’s two biggest passions are family and soccer, and she never wavers in her dedication to both. Long knew that coming back after the birth of her twins last year would be no easy feat, but the midfielder was 100 percent committed to being a mom and 100 percent committed to regaining her match fitness. For example, instead of sleeping when the babies slept, she ran sprints up and down the street at 10 p.m. every night. She also scheduled her training sessions around feeding times to ensure that her body and the babies’ bodies were as healthy and strong as possible. When Long and Gotham FC are on the road, the twins and Allie’s partner, Casey Cordial, are there too. Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós, who has a one-year-old son himself, says Long’s entire family is a part of the team. They load the team bus with strollers, car seats, and baby carriers, and the two children wear Gotham FC onesies to the matches. It truly is a family affair.
Pre-Match Panel to Celebrate AANHPI Leaders
Prior to the match Sunday against the Orlando Pride at Red Bull Arena, Gotham FC is partnering with Gold House to celebrate the achievements of the AANHPI community. Among the participants on the panel will be Bobby Cho, Operating Owner of Gotham FC; and Miguel Zara, Director of Operations for Gotham FC. The moderator will be Caroline Delfin of Gold House, a leading cultural ecosystem that unites, invests in, and champions Asian Pacific creators and companies to power tomorrow for all. The event, which will take place at the stadium at 3:30 p.m., is in recognition of AANHPI Heritage Month and is a continuation of Gotham FC’s commitment to elevate the presence of all minority groups.
Next Up
Two More on the Road
Gotham FC returns to the road for the next two matches: Sunday, May 21 against OL Reign, and Sunday, May 28 against the Washington Spirit. The road-heavy first half of the season leads to an exciting home schedule for Gotham FC. In addition to the club’s match at Red Bull Arena on June 4 against the San Diego Wave, seven of Gotham FC’s 11 regular season home matches take place between June 25 and the finale on October 15. This also encompasses seven of Gotham FC’s final ten regular season matches of the season.
