NWSL NJ/NY Gotham FC

NJ/NY Gotham FC Faces North Carolina Courage in Challenge Cup Home Opener

Published on April 20, 2021 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release


HARRISON, N.J. - NJ/NY Gotham FC will look to continue on with winning ways in their next Challenge Cup fixture this evening against North Carolina Courage at MSU Soccer Park. The match will be broadcast on Paramount+ and Twitch (international) with kickoff set for 6 p.m. ET.

Head Coach Freya Coombe on Opponent:

"It's always going to be a test, but this is the test we want to play and we want to be able to prove ourself against strong teams in the league. I think we've prepared ourselves well. We know how they're going to turn up, I think they're very consistent in the way they play. There is very few surprises. We know they're going to be very high pressing, be able to put us under a lot of pressure, but I think everyone in this squad is very excited by that thought and is ready for the game."

North Carolina Current Form:

The Courage opened their 2021 Challenge Cup account on April 10, in a high-scoring affair that saw them come out victorious, 3-2, over the Washington Spirit. Though their opponents outmatched them in possession and passing, the Courage made the better of their chances with forward, Jessica McDonald bagging a goal and an assist on the night. Their eventual lead came in the 51', at the foot of defender Merritt Mathias, who also helped her side withstand a late Spirit rally and gain the three points.

Gotham FC Raring with Return of Key Players:

Gotham FC heads into this match with equal confidence following a 1-0 victory in Orlando last Wednesday after what looked to be deadlocked, back and forth game. It was in the 79', that a well-timed cross in the box from Ifeoma Onumonu, to an onrushing Paige Monaghan became the difference maker. This duo has picked right back up from the 2020 Fall Series, where five goals and one assist was created between them. Four Gotham FC national team players have returned from international duty and will be available for the remainder of Challenge Cup play. All ammunition will be necessary, as a win against North Carolina will see Gotham FC to the top of the Eastern Division.

Upcoming Matches:

Next up, Gotham FC will travel to take on the Washington Spirit next Tuesday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. ET at Audi Field. Following that match, the team returns to close out Challenge Cup play at home at MSU Soccer Park on Sunday, May 2. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. ET. Due to limited capacity seating, tickets were extremely limited and only a few single seats remain. Tickets for May 2 can be purchased on our website. Pre-sale for season ticket membership is now open. Please speak with a Gotham FC Account Representative for more information.

Sensory sacks for individuals with autism and other special needs will be available complimentary for use at the match upon request at the front gate.

About NJ/NY Gotham FC:

Originally named Sky Blue FC, the Club underwent a major rebrand in April 2021 and officially changed its name to NJ/NY Gotham FC. Representing New Jersey and New York, the Club plays its National Women's Soccer League home matches at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. The Club has been part of the NWSL since the league launched in 2013. Founded in 2007, Gotham FC originally debuted as Jersey Sky Blue in the W-League of United Soccer Leagues. The Club won its first trophy as Sky Blue FC in 2009 after winning the inaugural Women's Professional Soccer championship. Most recently, the Club won its first NWSL playoff match during the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup.

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from April 20, 2021


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