HARRISON, NJ (Monday, April 8, 2024) – NJ/NY Gotham FC will return to Red Bull Arena for the club’s regular season home opener on Sunday, April 14, when the team faces the Kansas City Current (6 p.m. ET, NWSL+). Gotham FC is preparing for an epic return to its supporters, as the club will host a blackout for the official championship banner raising and ring ceremony to commemorate the 2023 NWSL Championship. 

Additionally, at Sunday’s match, former Gotham FC captain and global soccer icon Ali Krieger will return to Red Bull Arena for a fan meet-and-greet for the first time since she victoriously led Gotham FC to an NWSL Championship last season in the final professional game of her decorated career. The now-retired two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion (2015, 2019), Olympian (2016), and NWSL champion (2023) achieved greatness on the field, while off the field, she has played a major advocacy role in the fight for equal pay, LGBTQIA+ rights, and social justice. 

The club returns for its first home regular-season game of 2024. Last time out, Gotham FC fell to the North Carolina Courage 1-0 at WakeMed Soccer Park on March 30. However, Gotham FC controlled the offensive opportunities, leading 15-6 in shots, 7-2 in corner kicks, and 27-10 in crosses.   

Kansas City sits at the top of the table after winning all three of its games to start the season. Prior to the international break, the Current defeated Angel City 4-2, in a match that saw four different KC goal scorers. This will be the Current’s second road match of the season.  

Key Notes to Watch For 

• Sunday marks the first time the Current and Gotham FC play each other since Gotham FC clinched a playoff spot in the final regular season game against the Current in a 2-2 draw. 
• Ali Krieger made an incredible goal-line save in the 33rd minute to preserve a point for Gotham FC in the match. Midge Purce and Yazmeen Ryan each scored for Gotham FC. 
• Last match, defender Kelley O’Hara made her 90th regular-season appearance with Gotham FC.  
• Four players on Gotham FC’s roster previously played for the Current: Kristen Edmonds (2021-22), Cassie Miller (2022-23), Abby Smith (2021), and Lynn Williams (2022).  

Outside the Lines 

• Gotham FC will host the official championship banner raising and ring ceremony to commemorate the 2023 NWSL Championship.  
• Gotham FC will have new blackout merchandise available exclusively at the match. Fans are encouraged to arrive in their favorite black Gotham FC swag or purchase the newest pieces onsite.    
• Global soccer icon and former Gotham FC captain Ali Krieger, two-time Super Bowl champion, MVP, and Gotham FC co-owner Eli Manning, and Vice President of Fitness Programming and Head Instructor at Peloton and Founder of Swagger Society Robin Arzón will take part in the pregame festivities. 
• Krieger will sign autographs and take pictures with fans and the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League Championship Trophy during a pregame meet-and-greet on the concourse.  
• Manning and Arzón will serve as the honorary torch bearers during a Gotham FC pregame tradition that brings together members of the community, the club’s passionate supporters group, and special guests for the ceremonial lighting of an eight-foot tall torch that ignites with a live flame. 
• Two NFL Super Bowl champion MVPs will go head-to-head as owners of NWSL clubs, when Gotham FC co-owner Eli Manning plays host to KC Current co-owner Patrick Mahomes.  

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