Gotham FC will host English Women’s Super League champions Chelsea FC in a friendly at Red Bull Arena on August 19th. The game will make a meeting between the 2023 NWSL champions and the 2023-24 English champions, a unprecedented meeting between two powerhouse clubs in each country.
Chelsea has just finished their victory over the English game this past weekend with a dominant 6-0 win over Manchester United. It is their fifth consecutive title, making them the winningest team in women’s English football behind Arsenal. Coached by future USWNT head coach, Emma Hayes, the team will be looking to continue their reign with a new head coach against a potential juggernaut of the women’s game her in the United States.
Gotham FC are the reigning 2023 NWSL champions having qualified for the playoffs on the last day of the season and overcoming the odds of playing all of their playoff games on the road. Victories over North Carolina, Portland and finally Seattle secured their position as top of the women’s game in the United States. A star-studded roster has helped, including the likes of Esther Gonzalez, Lynn Williams, Midge Purce and Jenna Nighswonger. That team is now joined by other star players such as Tierna Davidson, Emily Sonnett and Rose Lavelle.
The game will be yet another showcase for NWSL and Gotham who have dedicated themselves to making the New York/New Jersey area the hub of women’s soccer around the world. Currently Gotham in seventh place in the NWSL, a game in hand on many of the teams above them. This past weekend the team’s perseverance was on display with a late goal form Ella Stevens that gave them the full three points against Chicago Red Stars.
Next up is a game against newcomers Bay FC on Friday night at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.
photo by Gotham FC