Overview:

Gotham FC wrote a new chapter in New York City history on Wednesday night, recording a 1-0 victory in front of a city record attendance for a women’s sports event at Citi Field in Queens.

Gotham FC players celebrate Rose Lavelle’s goal. (Photo courtesy of Gotham FC)

Gotham FC wrote a new chapter in New York City history on Wednesday night, recording a 1-0 victory in front of a city record attendance for a women’s sports event at Citi Field in Queens.

A club-record 42,175 fans watched The Queens Classic and were treated to Rose Lavelle’s game-winning goal – in the 37th minute – and Australian star forward Sam Kerr making her return to Gotham FC.

Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger made nine saves, including a dramatic double save to preserve her eighth shutout of the campaign.

“Gotham is growing at the level that I was dreaming of when I came here, and now we see that today. It was truly special,” Gotham FC coach Juan Carlos Amoros said. “And then [the team goes] and performs how they did. Rose scored that amazing, amazing goal, and Ann pulled out some big saves, and everyone just put in some tackles. Everyone really did everything they could to make sure that we wrote that page in history.”

Amoros wasn’t finished.

“Yeah, the day was definitely a page in the history of the club of New York City, of women’s sports in this country,” he said. “And the team really stepped up to the occasion as a collective, as individuals. Everyone that went on the pitch, whether they started the game or finished it, they gave absolutely everything to make sure the people that came to the stadium remembered – to make sure that they are checking when Gotham plays again, to come back. Gotham is growing at the level that I was dreaming of when I came here, and now we see that today. It was truly special. “

The win put Gotham FC (8-3-3, 27 points) level on points with second-place Washington (8-3-3, 27) and third-place Portland Thorns (8-4-3, 27). It was the club’s fifth consecutive shutout of the Spirit, and it extended Gotham FC’s unbeaten streak against its archrival to five games across all competitions.

Lavelle said her team showed up when it mattered most, pointing to Berger’s saves and defender Mandy Freeman’s critical block of a shot late in the match.

“I capitalized on the moment that I had,” she said, “but what’s so special about this team is that everybody steps up in the moments they have to win us the game.”

The Queens Classic shattered the previous New York City attendance record for a women’s sporting event – 28,143 – set in the 2023 U.S. Open Final won by Coco Gauff just down the street from Citi Field at Arthur Ashe Stadium. It was a milestone moment for Gotham FC ahead of its 2028 relocation to Etihad Park, across Seaver Way from Citi Field, for home matchdays.

Gotham FC will host Seattle Reign FC on Saturday, July 18 at noon ET, at Icahn Stadium, with coverage on ABC.