HARRISON, NJ (Thursday, March 14, 2024) – Ahead of the highly anticipated start of the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League regular season, a best-of-the-best showdown will feature the 2023 NWSL Champions NJ/NY Gotham FC and 2023 NWSL Shield winners San Diego Wave FC in the single-match UKG Challenge Cup on Friday, March 15 at Red Bull Arena (8 p.m. ET, Prime Video). A trophy will be on the line, when these two powerhouse clubs go head-to-head.
 
Gotham FC approaches the match after picking up preseason hardware in South America as champions of The Women’s Cup Colombia. In strong form, 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Esther (Spain) scored a brace that led Gotham FC’s 3-1 victory over NWSL club Racing Louisville in the tournament final. Esther, who also scored the game-winning goal in the NWSL Championship, is among the talented returning Gotham FC players, who are joined this season by several high-profile offseason additions.
 
San Diego Wave FC claimed the 2023 NWSL Shield, presented by CarMax after finishing as the top-ranked team in NWSL regular season standings with 37 points. In the 2023 NWSL Playoffs, the Wave’s postseason run ended with a 1-0 loss to OL Reign in the semifinals.
 
As the festivities begin ahead of Friday’s match, the reigning NWSL champions will debut a reimagined Gotham FC Fan Fest presented by CarMax. Highlights of the enhanced fan experience include face painting, an inflatable soccer activation for small-sided games powered by RWJBarnabas Health, a penalty kick shootout, and much more. The family-friendly Gotham FC Fan Fest kicks off at 5:30 p.m. ET located outside Gate B.
 
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit GothamFC.com/Tickets.  
 

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