Gotham FC takes on OL Reign: Red Bull Arena – Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. EST
HARRISON, N.J. – After a thrilling 2-1 road victory to kick off the season last week, Gotham FC is set for the club’s home opener weekend, which will be for a showcase of U.S. Women’s National Team players taking center stage. Gotham FC’s Lynn Williams, Kelley O’Hara, and Kristie Mewis prepare to host Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle of OL Reign on Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Red Bull Arena.
Gotham FC started the NWSL season with a 2-1 win over Angel City FC on Sunday, March 26, that included come-from-behind, second-half goals from Williams, the NWSL Player of the Week, and Purce.
Following Gotham FC’s Home Opener on Saturday, both teams will each host a hybrid media postgame press conference that will be accessible to media onsite at Red Bull Arena and virtually via Zoom.
Head-to-head: Since the clubs first met in 2015, Gotham FC is 4-6-5 against OL Reign, including a record of 2-2-2 in home matches. After defeating OL Reign, 1-0, on June 5, 2021, OL Reign won both matches last season.
GOTHAM FC STORYLINES
USWNT’s Williams Making an Epic Comeback: Lynn Williams missed all of last season with a severe hamstring injury. She made her USWNT return earlier this year and scored a goal in her first match back in international competition. In similar fashion, in her first NWSL match since injury, it was Williams’ clutch goal that was the game-winner for Gotham FC over Angel City. It was Williams’ first NWSL goal in 15 months. It was also the 58th goal of her NWSL career – most among U.S. players and third overall in league history – and her 16thgame-winner in the NWSL.
Midge Purce Ends Team’s PK Drought in Game 1: As the only team in the league not to score a penalty kick goal in 2022, Gotham FC improved that for 2023 on Sunday when Midge Purce scored the game-tying goal against Angel City FC on a kick from the spot. The penalty was the first in league history awarded after a review by VAR, which debuts this season in the NWSL.
Fresh out of College and onto the Pitch: When captain and veteran defender Ali Krieger went down 10 minutes into the season-opening match, fourth overall 2023 NWSL Draft pick Jenna Nighswonger out of Florida State University saw her first professional action and was spectacular in her debut.
From Maternity Leave to On-Pitch Prominence: Gotham FC midfielder Allie Long has made a triumphant return to the field. After announcing her pregnancy with twins in April 2022, she missed almost all of last season. The mother of twins started in Gotham FC’s season-opening win in LA.
Three Gotham FC Players Earn UWSNT Call-ups: Gotham FC’s Kristie Mewis, Kelley O’Hara, and Lynn Williams have been called up for the U.S. Women’s National Team’s camp ahead of its friendly matches against the Republic of Ireland on April 8 in Austin and April 11 in St. Louis.
HOME OPENER FESTIVITIES
Torch Lighting Ceremony with Eli Manning and Carli Lloyd: For the Home Opener on Saturday, owners Eli Manning and Carli Lloyd will ignite a new pre-match tradition celebrating the deep connection between the team, fans, and New Jersey-New York Community. Lloyd and Manning will be joined by members of Gotham FC’s official supporters group, Cloud 9.
At every Gotham FC home match, the club will feature a Torch Lighting ceremony conducted by the club’s passionate supporters and special guests – including local heroes, celebrities, professional athletes, and other dignitaries.
Fan Activities
- Among the many pre-match activities at the team’s FanFest on Saturday, Gotham FC will have a 360 photo booth, face painters, a DJ, and soccer darts – the giant blowup target with velcro soccer balls.
- Gotham FC’s “Heart of the Hudson” Drumline for the Home Opener is from Franklin High School.
- For adults in-stadium, Johnnie Walker will be offering samples of their “Strong Knows Strong” cocktail.
Next Up: After the Home Opener, followed by a one-week International Break, Gotham FC’s next match is Saturday, April 15 against the Orlando Pride at Exploria Stadium. Gotham FC then returns to Red Bull Arena for two games: a Challenge Cup match on Wednesday, April 19 against the Washington Spirit, and regular season match on Saturday, April 22 against the NC Courage. Both home matches are at 7:30 p.m.
