Gotham FC to Host UKG NWSL Challenge Cup Opener on April 19
April 18, 2023 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release
NJ/NY Gotham FC in action
(NJ/NY Gotham FC)
HARRISON, N.J. - Gotham FC is set to face off against the Washington Spirit at home at Red Bull Arena on April 19 (7:30 p.m. ET, Paramount+) to kick off the club's highly-anticipated first match of the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup.
In 2022, Gotham FC finished third place in the East grouping of the competition after earning a total of six points with a 1-3-2 (W-D-L) record. This year, the club has its sights set on a Challenge Cup championship after coming close to winning it all in the two prior years of the tournament.
During the 2021 tournament, Gotham FC advanced to the championship match, but ultimately lost in a penalty shootout to the Portland Thorns (6-5).
In 2020, the Challenge Cup launched as the first professional team sporting event to return to play in United States after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. During that year, the squad made it out of group play and advanced to semifinals before falling to the Chicago Red Stars.
To kick off the 2023 Challenge Cup, Gotham FC will take on Washington Spirit who they have a 10-8-14 record against. Gotham FC is looking to pick up their first win against the club since June 2022 (L, 1-0).
Following the match on Wednesday night, Gotham FC will host a media availability via Zoom.
Gotham FC Storylines
2022 Challenge Cup
Gotham FC closed the 2022 Challenge Cup with a 1-3-2 (six points) record to finish third in the East grouping.
Gotham FC Challenge Cup Leaders
Midfielder Nahomi Kawasumi tallied a goal against Washington Spirit in 2022, making her the fifth player to record two career goals in the Challenge Cup. Kawasumi joined forwards Midge Purce, Paige Monaghan, Carli Lloyd and Évelyne Viens in the record book, who are all past or present players with Gotham FC.
Gotham FC Challenge Cup History
Gotham FC advanced out of group play in each of the first two Challenge Cup tournaments, appearing in the semifinals in 2020 before falling in penalties to the Portland Thorns in 2021, making Gotham FC the tournament's runner-up.
Gotham FC topped the North Carolina Courage, 4-3, in the 2021 Challenge Cup. North Carolina was the only team to score on Gotham in the group stage that year.
Gotham FC has a 5-6-6 (W-D-L) record in Challenge Cup history, with a 2-3-2 home record and 3-3-4 record on the road.
2023 - Closing the Gap
UKG will double the prize pool for the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup, bringing the first-ever million-dollar prize pool to U.S. professional women's soccer.
In tandem with the tournament kickoff, UKG and the NWSL are launching a co-branded "Challenge Accepted" campaign which emphasizes the unwavering support for equity both on and off the field.
Head-to-Head
In 32 matches between Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit in all competitions, Gotham FC is 10-8-14 against the Washington Spirit. Gotham FC is looking to pick up their first win against the club since June 2022 (L, 1-0).
Next Up
After the Challenge Cup match against Washington Spirit, Gotham FC returns to Red Bull Arena for a regular season match on Saturday, April 22 against the NC Courage. The teams will kick off at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets on Sale Now
Information on Single Match tickets for Gotham FC home matches is available HERE. Season Ticket Memberships and group ticket packages are also available by visiting GothamFC.com. Gotham FC Founders Club Members and Season Ticket Members receive the Black Box and its limited-edition items.
Images from this story
 NJ/NY Gotham FC in action |
National Women's Soccer League Stories from April 18, 2023
- Angel City Football Club Set for First 2023 UKG Challenge Cup Match Against OL Reign - Angel City FC
- Washington Spirit Concludes Road Trip against NJ/NY Gotham FC in First Challenge Cup Game of the Season - Washington Spirit
- Kansas City Current Open the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup against the Houston Dash on Wednesday - Kansas City Current
- Dash Open Challenge Cup Play at Shell Energy Stadium - Houston Dash
- Orlando Pride Signs Forward Maliah Morris - Orlando Pride
- Kansas City Current Announces Partnership with Functional Soda Brand OLIPOP - Kansas City Current
- Match Preview: San Diego Wave FC vs. Portland Thorns FC - San Diego Wave FC
- Angel City FC Partners with the Twinning Project to Use the Power of Soccer to Tackle Reoffending - Angel City FC
- The Assist: Orlando Pride vs. North Carolina Courage - April 19, 2023 - Orlando Pride
- Gotham FC to Host UKG NWSL Challenge Cup Opener on April 19 - NJ/NY Gotham FC
- KC Current Announces Deadline for New Stadium Deposits - Kansas City Current
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
