After the long awaited schedule finally dropped, the National Women’s Soccer league is gearing up for the start of the 2023 season. NJ/NY Gotham FC will hold their home opener at 7PM ET on April 1st at Red Bull Arena taking on OL Reign.
Following the team’s last place finish in 2022, Gotham FC revitalized their roster, bringing in national team talent like Lynn Williams and Kelley O’Hara, signing young league talent like Yazmeen Ryan and Abby Smith, and retaining their star playing like Taylor Smith and Ifeoma Onumonu.
Gotham started their pre-season at IMG Academy in Florida, the beginning of which coincided with the annual SheBelieves Cup. The team had three players feature for the U.S. Women’s National Team: Williams, Midge Purce, and Kristie Mewis. Now, the three have reported to preseason camp with Gotham and are ready to take on the NWSL season.
“I’m so excited for this next year with Gotham,” said Mewis, who produced two goals and three assists for the club last season in addition to her seven goals and four assists in 50 caps for the USWNT. “I feel like we have such a good squad. We have a new coach, and it’s just going to be such a new energy.”
As Gotham prepares for their home opener, the players hope to bring their best for the fans and represent the greater New York City area in a way that will make them proud.
“What it means to play for the best city in the world, well, I can’t wait to get started. I have been talking to everybody about it. I can’t wait to move in and get settled,” said Olympic medalist, three-time NWSL champion, league Golden Boot winner, and Gotham FC forward Williams. “I am so excited, I can’t wait. I think this year is going to be awesome. Hopefully, all the fans come out and support us.”
Purce echoed Williams, highlighting how much it means to her to represent both the national team and New York area. “It’s the best! There’s literally nothing better,” she said. “NYC. USWNT. They just go together – best of both worlds.”
Fans can purchase individual tickets to Gotham FC vs. OL Reign by visiting GothamFC.com. Additional information on theme nights and single match tickets will be announced in the coming weeks.