And that's what you missed on Glee, I mean, Gotham FC!
It's been a wild summer, so grab an Aperol Spritz or an iced coffee and let's recap all the soccer.
Hello dear readers. For this entry of Jenna’s Sources, I’m going to do things a bit differently, but first, a brief note.
To my paid subscribers, thank you for hanging with me while I spent a large part of the summer in Italy. I’ve got some fun, subscriber-only content coming soon, so stay tuned! To my regular readers, thank you for continued support. You may not realize, but your retweets, clicks, and follows help support my work and reach my ultimate goal - bringing women’s soccer coverage, especially in the greater NYC area, to everyone!
Now onto business. With the restart of the National Women’s Soccer League just around the corner, let’s take a trip down memory lane and recap some of the biggest moments this summer for NJ/NY Gotham FC.
Olympics - got the gold, and the bronze!
I had to start with the fact that every Gotham player who went to the Olympics will return with some hardware!
Gotham FC had a record number of international call ups for the 2024 Paris Olympics: Tierna Davidson, Crystal Dunn, Rose Lavelle, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett and Lynn Williams were called into the U.S. women’s national team (USWNT) and goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger received the nod for Germany.
The USWNT and Germany would face off twice (!!) in the Olympic tournament, with the USWNT coming out on top each time. I won’t bore you with the details (I could go on and on about all of these incredible players), plus I know y’all watched it all, but I have to call out the two players that I think went above and beyond: Crystal Dunn and Ann-Katrin Berger.
Dunn had the tournament of a lifetime. Although she was listed as a forward, Dunn spent the tournament as a left back, a role she has often played for the national team. Her ability to defend 1v1, track back, and get up high in the attack has always made her thrive at left back, and this tournament was no different. She was crucial to building out from the back, and her ability to create chances and support Triple Espresso out wide often made the difference for the USWNT’s gold medal run. For me, she is the USWNT’s player of the tournament.
Berger was the difference-maker for the German national team’s spot on the podium. Taking on the defending World Cup Champions Spain the bronze medal match, Berger stepped up when her team needed her the most, saving a penalty from Alexia Putellas in added time to secure the “rose gold.” I would be remiss if I omitted the fact that Berger also helped secure her team a place in the semi-finals which a decisive penalty kick during a shootout against Canada. This is a player who really can do it all - she’s a keeper, I’d say!
Honorable mention has to go to Lynn Williams. Initially called up as an alternate, Williams made the full roster as an injury replacement and lived up to the challenge. She not only aced the super-sub role, but got herself on the scoresheet. Those of us who have watched Williams over the years were not surprised she answered the call, just as she always does! Her defensive work rate, nose for goal, and willingness to take on whatever role her teams need from her made her an essential part of this roster.
Summer (with my sisters) Cup (iykyk)
During the international window, the NWSL players got to stay sharp while playing in the inaugural NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. It was pretty cool to see NWSL teams take on Liga MX teams and I can’t wait to see more league crossover events when Chelsea and Arsenal come stateside for these friendlies next week!
As a super quick recap, Gotham faced off against the Chicago Red Stars (0-0 tie, won 5-4 on penalties), Washington Spirit (won 1-0), and Guadalajara (won 3-0) to make out it out of the group stage into the semi-finals. Gotham goalkeeper Cassie Miller earned Best XI of the Month honors in July for her clean-sheet tournament.
Gotham then beat Angel City 1-0 with a goal from Delanie Sheehan to secure a place in the Summer Cup final in *checks notes* October! They’ll take on the Kansas City Current on October 25th in a place that I can’t really see myself going but I’m considering it: San Antonio, Texas.
National Team Replacement Players played a big role in Gotham’s ability to thrive in the Summer Cup, especially with missing seven players to international duty on top of a slew of injuries that are haunting the squad.
“We really express our gratitude [to the NTRPs] because from day one they felt part of the team, they were part of us, they made every effort to help and played a very important role for us getting here,” said head coach Juan Carlos Amorós after Gotham’s semi-final win. Specifically, he highlighted former Gotham player Sabrina Flores who came out of retirement and played important minutes for the club during the Summer Cup.
The tournament also allowed for many Gotham players to see significantly more minutes, including rookie defender Maycee Bell and midfielder McCall Zerboni. Forward Ella Stevens once again shined for Gotham’s front line along with Katie Stengel, with both finding the back of the net (twice for Stengel!) in the team’s 3-0 win against Chivas.
Transfer Window - hellos and goodbyes
IN: Jéssica Silva, Jess Carter
OUT: Kristen Edmonds, Taylor Smith
Not too much to say about the transfer window as of now (as it’s technically still open)!
I had the honor of interviewing Jess Carter for Equalizer (linked above), so definitely check that out. Gotham acquired the five-time Women’s Super League (WSL) Champion and English defender from Chelsea FC Women in exchange for an undisclosed transfer fee and signed her to a multi-year contract with through 2026.
I am also very much looking forward to seeing Jéssica Silva’s return to the league. Gotham signed the Portuguese forward through 2024 from SL Benfica Women via free transfer. The forward will join the team pending the receipt of her visa, International Transfer Certificate and completion of medical exams.
Edmonds and Smith both left Gotham for opportunities in the USL Super League — and I’m very excited for them both! The Super League is providing more opportunities for players. With Edmonds at Tampa Bay and Smith at Brooklyn, I hope we’ll get to see a lot more minutes for the two veteran stars.
Bonus: Welcome Brooklyn FC!
Speaking of Brooklyn FC, I HAVE to mention the new team in my backyard! The team’s home opener is August 31st, and my readers get a special code for 25% off tickets for this match! Click here to buy (the code will autofill).
That’s all from me for now. As we inch ever-closer to the beginning of candy corn season, stay tuned for more from me at Jenna’s Sources. And, as always, THANK YOU for your continued support and love of women’s soccer.
…and that’s what you missed on Glee from Gotham FC!
With so many Gotham players winning medals, you can make a case that JCA played a part. The big four of Dunn, Sonnet, Davidson, and Lavelle came to Gotham and got some high level coaching. It prepared them for the genius that is Emma Hayes.