The international break is over, and NJ/NY Gotham FC will resume the NWSL season this weekend. Before then, there is some news that needs to be covered, from the 2024 theme nights to the national teams.
As such, there is plenty to talk about. Here is the next Gotham FC news roundup.
Gotham FC news roundup: Theme nights and national teams
Gotham FC's theme nights
On Monday, Gotham FC revealed this season's celebratory and theme nights. Each game has something special that fans can look forward to. Of course, some nights are more notable.
The home opener on Sunday will celebrate the 2023 NWSL Championship. This will include the unveiling of the banner and ring ceremony. Plus, Ali Kreiger will return to the stadium and Giants' legend Eli Manning will be in attendance and light the torch!
In June, Gotham will celebrate Pride on June 8 and Juneteenth on June 19. Then, on September 8, the Bats will have a Women's Empowerment Night.
This is one aspect that is fantastic about Gotham FC. They have something they will celebrate during each match.
Esther González scores twice for Spain
Esther González found the back of the net twice when she was away on international duty. The Spanish striker came on as a substitute in the game against Belgium, where she scored a brace. Spain ended up winning 7-0 in the goal-scoring frenzy fixture.
The Gotham forward did not appear in the game against Czechia, but Spain won that fixture as well. Both wins are crucial, for they add six points to the Euro qualifiers.
The SheBelieves Cup
Four Gotham FC players participated in the SheBelieves Cup. The USWNT beat Japan to make it to the finals against Canada on Tuesday. Tierna Davidson and Jenna Nighswonger started the first game, while Davidson, Crystal Dunn, and Emily Sonnett made the Starting XI against Canada, which was another crazy game.
The match was tied 2-2 at the end of regulation. A controversial foul call in the box on Dunn led to a penalty kick and a tying goal for Canada. Many fans would probably argue the US should have won in the 90 minutes.
There was no extra time since the SheBelieves Cup is during a congested year. Instead, the USWNT and Canada went into a penalty kick shootout for the second time in 35 days. In the end, the Gotham ladies and the rest of the USWNT out on top in the shootout, 5-4, winning the SheBelieves Cup for the fifth year in a row.
There are still some questions regarding the US as they will turn their focus on the Olympics. Moreover, which Gotham FC players will get the honor to travel to Paris? This is something to keep an eye on in the coming months.