Gotham FC news roundup: Summer Cup and leadership

NJ/NY Gotham FC has already begun the 2024 campaign after playing in the NWSL Challenge Cup last Friday. The team lost to the San Diego Wave and will begin NWSL play this weekend.

The club and the NWSL have released some vital news. Here is the latest Gotham FC news roundup.

Gotham FC news roundup: Summer tournament and the 2024 leaders

The NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup

On Wednesday, Gotham FC and the NWSL announced the long-awaited summer tournament that will be played during the Olympic break. All NWSL teams and six Liga MX Femenil teams will participate in the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup, beginning on July 19.

Somewhat similar to the old NWSL Challenge Cup format, the tournament will have a group stage to determine the top sides amongst the 20 participants. Then, it will go straight into the semifinals. The finals will occur later in October, which is an interesting move since it was thought the entire competition would take place over the summer.

There are five groups, and Gotham will be in Group D. Completing their group is C.D. Guadalajara, the Chicago Red Stars, and the Washington Spirit. Since there are five groups, it is unknown how they will get to four sides for the semifinals.

The tournament during the Olympics should be fun to watch. Nonetheless, the Bats can expect to miss a few of their players, for some of them should be with the USWNT in Paris.

Gotham FC announced the leadership group

Before the season, it was questioned who Gotham FC would choose as the captain this year. However, like NYCFC, the club did not name one primary captain. Instead, the team announced the leadership group for 2024. Michelle Betos, Tierna Davidson, Crystal Dunn, Kelley O'Hara, Lynn Williams, and McCall Zerboni are all a part of the group.

It is nice they announced a leadership group, for these players would be expected to wear the captain's armband. Still, it is always better to have a primary captain and vice-captains. One or two of the leadership group may wear the armband more than others. The amount of game time can impact that as well.

It was confirmed that the players chose the group. Perhaps it was impossible to choose just one captain. At least Gotham FC was more transparent around the decision, unlike NYCFC. Transparency is always welcomed.