2023 NJ/NY Gotham FC season
Biggest defeat |
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All statistics correct as of October 16, 2023. |
The 2023
Background
Coaching changes
On November 1, 2022, Gotham FC hired Houston Dash manager Juan Carlos Amorós.[1] He succeeded interim head coach Hue Menzies, who had served since August 13, 2022.[2]
Notable offseason transactions
On November 15, 2022, Gotham FC made the first domestic free agency acquisition in the league's history by signing Washington Spirit and United States women's national soccer team defender Kelley O'Hara to a two-year contract.[3] O'Hara had last played for the club from 2013 to 2017, before its rebranding from Sky Blue FC.[4]
On November 16, goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris retired to join Gotham FC's front office.[5]
On November 28, Gotham signed free-agent goalkeeper Abby Smith of Portland Thorns FC to a three-year contract.[6] Smith would become Gotham's starting goalkeeper in eight of its first nine matches across competitions, winning week 7 NWSL Player of the Week and NWSL Save of the Week honors for her performance in a May 14 shutout draw against Orlando Pride.[7]
On December 1, free-agent defender Estelle Johnson signed a two-year contract with North Carolina Courage.[8]
On January 12, 2023, the day of the 2023 NWSL Draft, Gotham FC traded its second-overall selection to Kansas City Current in exchange for forward Lynn Williams, who had missed most of the 2022 season with a hamstring injury.[9] Williams was in New Zealand for training camp with the United States national team during the trade and had not been aware of Kansas City's intent to trade her. The terms of the trade required Williams's approval, which she granted with three minutes to spare before the league deadline.[10] Williams would go on to score more league goals by May than any Gotham player had scored in the 2022 season.[11]
At the draft, Gotham selected
Gotham invited retired player
New kit
Gotham announced new home
Summary
March/April
On March 23, three days before Gotham's season-opening, defender Ali Krieger announced on CBS Mornings that she would retire after the season's conclusion.[18]
Gotham FC opened its season on March 26 with a 2–1 win on the road in front of a sell-out crowd at Angel City FC, in a match that also featured the league's first use of video assistant referee in the regular season that denied the Los Angeles team a goal. Newly signed striker Lynn Williams scored her first goal for Gotham in the 64th minute of her debut with the club, despite injuring her arm in the first half and requiring a splint to be applied mid-game. The goal held up as the match winner.[19] Williams celebrated her goal by gesturing bat ears on her forehead and flapping her arms, along with the rallying call "go bats".[20] Williams' teammate Smith later adopted the celebration after scoring a goal.[21] When asked about playing through the injury in a post-match interview, Williams said, "It's an arm. I need my legs to play soccer, not my arm."[19] Her performance earned Williams the season's first NWSL Player of the Week award.[22]
Gotham lost its first match of the season 0–2 in its home opener against
Returning to the road, Gotham defeated Orlando Pride 2–0 on April 15, registering 20 shots and 10 corners while Abby Smith was credited with 5 saves in the clean-sheet performance. Both of Gotham's goals were scored during 18 minutes of second-half stoppage time: a penalty kick from a handball foul in the box confirmed via
On April 19, Gotham won its 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup opening match against Washington Spirit 1–0 on a 56th-minute Williams goal.[27] Then on April 23, in its third match in 7 days, Gotham defeated North Carolina Courage 1–0 at home thanks to an 80th-minute Williams goal. The match was delayed by weather for two hours at halftime.[28] Williams's goal was her 60th, making her the third player after Sam Kerr and Christine Sinclair to reach the mark; Sinclair had done so on the same day in a match against Racing Louisville FC hours before.[29] Williams won her second NWSL Player of the Week award of the season for her performance.[30]
Gotham ended April with its second loss, conceding two late goals to Kansas City Current's Debinha in an 0–2 shutout on April 30 at the Current's Children's Mercy Park.[31]
On May 3, the NWSL named Williams to its Best XI of March/April.[32]
Transactions
On April 25, Gotham FC waived backup goalkeeper and 2022 NWSL Draft selection Hensley Hancuff.[33]
On April 27, Gotham FC traded midfielder
May
On May 3, Michelle Betos made her first start of the season in goal for a 1–1 Challenge Cup draw against North Carolina. After a third-minute Courage goal by Mille Gejl, Betos saved an 11th-minute penalty kick that resulted from a handball call in the box confirmed by the video assistant referee. In the 65th minute, the referee also showed Betos a red card that was overturned by the video assistant referee. Williams, entering as a substitute, scored the equalizer in the 74th minute.[35]
On May 7, Williams scored her 103rd total goal or assist in all competitions during Gotham's 2–1 win over Chicago Red Stars, surpassing Sam Kerr for the league record.[36] Gotham followed the win with a draw at home against Orlando Pride, where Abby Smith held Orlando scoreless in a six-save effort that earned her both NWSL Player and Save of the Week honors.[7]
On May 21, Gotham defeated
On May 23, Gotham announced that it had sold more than 10,000 tickets for its June 4 match against
On May 24, Gotham announced a partnership with S.L. Benfica that would allow Benfica to recruit Gotham FC players and for Gotham to access Benfica's academy and development systems.[42]
June
On June 4, Gotham broke their all-time home attendance record, drawing a crowd of 15,058 spectators for their match against
On June 7, the league postponed Gotham's Challenge Cup match that evening against
On June 25, Gotham signed midfielder
Style of play
In its first season under manager Juan Carlos Amorós, Gotham deployed a 4–1–4–1
Stadium and facilities
Gotham FC continued to play in
Broadcasting
On April 1, 2023, Gotham FC announced that
Team
Staff
Role | Name |
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General manager Head of soccer operations |
Yael Averbuch West |
Acting president | Nan Vogel |
Role | Name |
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Head coach | Juan Carlos Amorós |
Assistant coaches | Jen Lalor |
Shaun Harris | |
Ak Lakhani | |
Goalkeeper coach | Brody Sams |
Head of tactical analysis | Jesús Botello Hermosa |
Head of sports science | Philip Congleton |
Strength and conditioning coach | Adrián Benítez Jiménez |
Squad
- As of July 8, 2023.[60]
# | P. | Nation | Name | Birthday (age) | Since | Previous team | Notes |
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1 | GK | USA | Michelle Betos | February 20, 1988 (aged 35) | 2022 | Racing Louisville FC | |
4 | GK | USA | Abby Smith | October 4, 1993 (aged 29) | 2022 | Portland Thorns FC | |
24 | GK | USA | Mandy Haught | November 3, 1998 (aged 24) | 2023 | Piteå IF | |
2 | DF | USA | Imani Dorsey | March 21, 1996 (aged 27) | 2018 | Duke University | |
3 | DF | BRA | Bruninha | June 16, 2002 (aged 20) | 2022 | Santos FC | INT[a] |
5 | DF | USA | Kelley O'Hara | August 4, 1988 (aged 34) | 2023 | Washington Spirit | |
11 | DF | USA | Ali Krieger | July 28, 1984 (aged 38) | 2022 | Orlando Pride | |
12 | DF | USA | Kristen Edmonds | May 22, 1987 (aged 35) | 2022 | Kansas City Current | |
14 | DF | USA | Nealy Martin | April 22, 1998 (aged 24) | 2022 | Racing Louisville FC | |
15 | DF | MEX | Sabrina Flores | January 31, 1996 (aged 27) | 2020 | Sevilla FC | |
21 | DF | USA | Ellie Jean | January 31, 1997 (aged 26) | 2022 | PSV Eindhoven | |
22 | DF | USA | Mandy Freeman | March 23, 1995 (aged 28) | 2017 | University of Southern California | |
6 | MF | USA | Allie Long | August 13, 1987 (aged 35) | 2021 | OL Reign
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7 | MF | USA | McCall Zerboni | December 13, 1986 (aged 36) | 2020 | North Carolina Courage | |
8 | MF | USA | Taryn Torres | August 23, 1999 (aged 23) | 2021 | University of Virginia | SEI[b][61] |
13 | MF | USA | Mana Shim | September 25, 1991 (aged 31) | 2023 | Houston Dash | IRP[c] |
17 | MF | USA | Delanie Sheehan | January 13, 1999 (aged 24) | 2021 | University of California, Los Angeles | |
18 | MF | USA | Yazmeen Ryan | February 25, 1999 (aged 24) | 2023 | Portland Thorns FC (via Angel City FC) |
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19 | MF | USA | Kristie Mewis | February 25, 1991 (aged 32) | 2021 | Houston Dash (via San Diego Wave FC) |
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32 | MF | USA | Jenna Nighswonger | February 25, 1994 (aged 29) | 2020 | Florida State | |
33 | MF | IRL | Sinead Farrelly | November 16, 1989 (aged 33) | 2023 | Boston Breakers | |
77 | MF | ESP | Maitane López | March 13, 1995 (aged 28) | 2023 | Atlético Madrid | INT[a] |
10 | FW | USA | Lynn Williams | May 21, 1993 (aged 29) | 2023 | Kansas City Current | |
16 | FW | ISL | Svava Rós Guðmundsdóttir | November 11, 1995 (aged 27) | 2023 | SK Brann | INT[a] |
20 | FW | USA | Taylor Smith | December 1, 1993 (aged 29) | 2022 | North Carolina Courage | |
23 | FW | USA | Margaret Purce
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September 18, 1995 (aged 27) | 2020 | Portland Thorns FC | |
25 | FW | NGA | Ifeoma Onumonu | February 25, 1994 (aged 29) | 2020 | OL Reign
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28 | FW | USA | Katie Stengel | February 29, 1992 (aged 31) | 2023 | Liverpool | LOAN[d] |
Competitions
NWSL Challenge Cup
Gotham FC finished third in the East Division during the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup and did not advance. Gotham FC returned to the East Division in the 2023 tournament.
Group stage
April 19, 2023 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 1–0 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
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Report |
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Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 7,543 Referee: Shawn Tehini |
May 3, 2023 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
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Report | Stadium: penalty kick to NC at 8', but NC failed to convert it. VAR rescinded a red card issued to Betos at 67'. |
July 23, 2023 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
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Report |
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Stadium: Exploria Stadium Attendance: 4,051 Referee: Shawn Tehini |
Note: Postponed to from June 28 due to Gotham FC weather and travel delays.[62] |
July 28, 2023 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
Report |
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Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 4,732 |
August 9, 2023 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 1–1 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
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Report |
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Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 2,038 |
Note: Postponed from 7:30 p.m. EDT on June 7 due to poor air quality in the New York City metropolitan area.[47] |
East Division standings
Pos | Team | Pld | W | T | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | NC | NJY | WAS | ORL | |
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1 | North Carolina Courage | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 5 | +10 | 11 | Advance to knockout stage | — | 1–1 | 6–0 | 0–0 | |
2 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 7 | +3 | 11 | 2–0 | — | 1–0 | 1–1 | ||
3 | Washington Spirit | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 13 | −3 | 9 | 1–2 | 4–2 | — | 4–2 | ||
4 | Orlando Pride | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 15 | −10 | 2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 0–1 | — |
Results by matchday
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss
Regular season
Gotham FC finished the 2022 National Women's Soccer League season in last place.
Matches
March 26, 2023 1 | Los Angeles, California | |||
Report | Stadium: BMO Stadium Attendance: 22,000 Referee: Elijio Arreguin |
April 1, 2023 2 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 0–2 | OL Reign | Harrison, New Jersey |
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Report | Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 7,534 Referee: Brad Jensen |
April 15, 2023 4 | EDT (UTC−4 ) |
Report | Stadium: Exploria Stadium Attendance: 5,258 Referee: Elvis Osmanovic | ||
Note: Kickoff delayed by weather from 4:30 p.m. |
April 22, 2023 4 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 1–0 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
Report | Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 3,200 Referee: Matthew Thompson |
April 30, 2023 5 | CDT (UTC-5 ) |
Report | Stadium: Children's Mercy Park Attendance: 9,409 Referee: Adorae Monroy |
May 7, 2023 6 | CDT (UTC-5 ) |
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Report |
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Stadium: SeatGeek Stadium Attendance: 3,692 Referee: Natalie Simon |
May 14, 2023 7 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 0–0 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
Report | Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 3,468 Referee: Anja Voigt |
May 21, 2023 8 | PDT (UTC-7 ) |
Report | Stadium: Lumen Field Attendance: 8,146 Referee: Katja Koroleva |
May 28, 2023 9 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
Report |
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Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 11,545 Referee: Karen Callado |
June 4, 2023 10 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 0–1 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
Report | Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 15,058 Referee: Eric Tattersall |
June 11, 2023 11 | CDT (UTC-5 ) |
Report | Stadium: Shell Energy Stadium Attendance: 5,827 Referee: Alex Billeter |
June 18, 2023 12 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
Report |
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Stadium: Lynn Family Stadium Attendance: 5,103 Referee: Rebecca Pagan |
June 25, 2023 13 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 2–1 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
Report | Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 5,601 Referee: Matthew Corrigan | ||
Note: Match was paused for 50 minutes due to lightning in the area at the 53rd minute.[63] |
July 2, 2023 14 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 0–0 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
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Report |
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Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 4,991 Referee: Calin Radosav |
July 9, 2023 15 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 2–1 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
Report |
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Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 3,932 Referee: Greg Dopka |
August 19, 2023 16 | PDT (UTC-7 ) |
Report | Stadium: Snapdragon Stadium Attendance: 12,045 |
September 2, 2023 18 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
Report |
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Stadium: WakeMed Soccer Park Attendance: 6,389 |
September 16, 2023 19 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 2–0 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
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Report |
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Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 6,202 |
October 1, 2023 20 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 0–2 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
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Report |
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Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 6,001 Referee: Elijio Arreguin |
October 7, 2023 21 | PDT (UTC-4 ) |
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Report | Stadium: Providence Park Attendance: 19,599 Referee: Danielle Chesky |
October 15, 2023 22 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | 2–2 | EDT (UTC-4 ) |
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Report |
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Stadium: Red Bull Arena Attendance: 9,005 Referee: Alyssa Nichols |
Regular season standings
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
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1 | San Diego Wave FC (S) | 22 | 11 | 4 | 7 | 31 | 22 | +9 | 37 | Playoff semifinals |
2 | Portland Thorns FC | 22 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 42 | 32 | +10 | 35 | |
3 | North Carolina Courage | 22 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 29 | 22 | +7 | 33 | Playoff quarterfinals |
4 | OL Reign
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22 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 29 | 24 | +5 | 32 | |
5 | Angel City FC | 22 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 31 | 30 | +1 | 31 | |
6 | NJ/NY Gotham FC (C) | 22 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 25 | 24 | +1 | 31 | |
7 | Orlando Pride | 22 | 10 | 1 | 11 | 27 | 28 | −1 | 31 | |
8 | Washington Spirit | 22 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 26 | 29 | −3 | 30 | |
9 | Racing Louisville FC | 22 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 25 | 24 | +1 | 27 | |
10 | Houston Dash | 22 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 16 | 18 | −2 | 26 | |
11 | Kansas City Current | 22 | 8 | 2 | 12 | 30 | 36 | −6 | 26 | |
12 | Chicago Red Stars | 22 | 7 | 3 | 12 | 28 | 50 | −22 | 24 |
Results summary
Overall | Home | Away | |||||||||||||||||
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Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD |
22 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 25 | 24 | +1 | 31 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 15 | +1 |
Last updated: October 19, 2023.
Source: NWSLsoccer.com
Results by matchday
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss
Playoffs
October 22, 2023 Quarterfinals | North Carolina Courage | 0–2 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | Cary, North Carolina |
7:00 pm EDT | Report | Stadium: WakeMed Soccer Park Attendance: 4,612 Referee: Katja Koroleva |