London — Traveling from New York to London may not be overly challenging for many, but for Gotham FC, the journey to the UK capital has been quite a saga. The NWSL champions are set to play at Brentford Community Stadium on Wednesday, not as the titleholders they dramatically secured in November, but with a legacy informed by the titles of past teams that struggled. Their aim is to make history as the first world champions in women’s club soccer.
Originally known as the New Jersey/New York Gotham FC, the team triumphed over OL Reign in the 2023 NWSL Championship Game. They then faced the strongest team from CONCACAF the following year, eventually winning their first continental championship in Leon, Mexico, just 18 months after qualifying. This victory allowed them to make the transatlantic journey as North America’s debut representative in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, a competition that showcases the best clubs worldwide until the Women’s Club World Cup launches in two years.
Given their long journey, it’s not surprising that only three players from the starting lineup in the 2023 final remain on the squad today. Reflecting on their trek to Hounslow, Gotham’s head coach Juan Carlos Amoros noted the remarkable resilience of those still present.
“It would be a dream come true to be in this position after just two games,” Amoros remarked, emphasizing the significance of their journey. “It took us four years to reach this tournament. Our goal is to win the (NWSL) championship and head across North America next year to qualify for the semifinals and finals. Having won in Mexico last season, now we’re here.”
Amoros described a potential win as the “pinnacle,” while acknowledging that his team aspires for more victories in future tournaments. The Women’s Champions Cup has evolved significantly as well. Last month, Wuhan Jiangda lost to home favorites AS Faul in Morocco after defeating Auckland United at home in November. The top four teams from North America, South America, Africa, and Europe will face off in London, with Gotham’s campaign starting against Corinthians, relentless champions in Brazil and South America.
Despite the formidable record of their opponents, Gotham is regarded as the favorite for their semifinal match at 12:30 p.m. local time (7:30 a.m. ET). This is viewed as the best that the NWSL can offer, particularly with playoffs influencing expectations. “You always have to root for yourself,” joked Jaelyn Howell, while veteran defender Mandy Freeman commented, “I hope so,” regarding their chances.
The Champions Cup’s dynamics differ significantly from men’s competitions, which are often influenced by financial constraints. In men’s football, clubs like Flamengo often appear dwarfed against richer European teams, but the gap here is narrower. Arsenal became one of Europe’s wealthiest clubs through last summer’s Champions League victory, yet they still trail behind teams like Angel City and Kansas City Current in the NWSL in revenue.
Such financial parity is mirrored in player transfers, as former Gotham players like Jenna Neiswonger and Crystal Dunn moved to Europe, while Amoros has reinforced his squad with European talents Ann-Katrin Berger and Jess Carter. The stakes are high for this tournament, conveying a sense of importance that could counter concerns about congested schedules.
“For the first time during the CONCACAF Women’s Cup, we showed players photos from past tournaments,” Amoros explained. He acknowledged that the women’s game needs moments like these to grow, citing how the Champions League and its ilk established their place in history. “I believe this competition needed to occur for women’s football, and I’m proud of Gotham’s inclusion in the 2028 Club World Cup,” he continued.
Although Gotham is now among the competitors in the tournament, they could face a challenge against Arsenal, who have been actively preparing in the midst of their season. The Gunners recently secured a victory over Chelsea, reflecting their competitive rhythm.
Arsenal manager Renee Sleggers expressed excitement about participating in this significant tournament, acknowledging the opportunity to forge a place in history alongside their ongoing commitment to success in women’s football.
While Gotham hasn’t faced Corinthians yet, they have insider knowledge via teammate Gabi Portillo. Additionally, Brazilian international Bruninha is familiar with the style of play from her compatriots and how it can test American teams.
“I’m eager to see how the Brazilian players approach the game,” Shaw said, noting the invaluable experience of playing against them regularly. “It’s insightful to understand their techniques and strategy.”
Shaw’s background in Brazil adds an interesting dimension, as her time with the Santos women’s team enriched her skills. “Experiencing Brazilian football significantly shaped my style on the field,” she explained, emphasizing how it fueled her passion for the game.
Having developed her footballing identity in São Paulo, Shaw is personally motivated to secure a victory over one of Santos’ historic rivals. Yet, she’s not the only talented Gotham player driven to succeed; they all recognize the extensive journey that brought them to this pivotal moment and are determined to keep pushing forward, regardless of how high they climb.
Editorial Opinion: This matchup is crucial for soccer fans as it showcases the growth of women’s football, pitting strong teams from different continents against each other, which not only entertains but elevates the sport on a global scale. Gotham FC’s journey symbolizes the rising standards in women’s soccer and highlights the potential of greater recognition and competition in the years to come.
