2021 NJ/NY Gotham FC season explained

Club:NJ/NY Gotham FC
Season:2021
Chrtitle:Club Chair
Chairman:Tammy Murphy
Mgrtitle:Head coach
Manager:Freya Coombe
(until August 29)
Scott Parkinson
(from August 31)
Stadium:Red Bull Arena
Harrison, New Jersey
(Capacity: 25,000)
League:NWSL
League Result:5th
Cup1:Playoffs
Cup1 Result:Quarter-finals
Cup2:Challenge Cup
Cup2 Result:Runners-up
League Topscorer:
Margaret Purce (9)
Season Topscorer:
Margaret Purce (11)
Pattern B1:_goth21h
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Body1:000
Rightarm1:000
Shorts1:000
Socks1:000
Pattern B2:_goth21a
Leftarm2:fff
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American:true
Prevseason:2020
Nextseason:2022

The 2021 NJ/NY Gotham FC season was the team's 12th season as a professional women's soccer team and their ninth season as a member of the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. It is the first season following the club's change of name from Sky Blue FC, which it played under from 2007 to 2020.

On May 2, Gotham qualified for the final of the NWSL Challenge Cup, marking the club's first appearance in a final since the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer playoffs.[1] [2] However, following a 1–1 draw with the Portland Thorns, Gotham were defeated 6–5 on penalties in the final.

On August 22, it was announced that head coach Freya Coombe would be taking over Angel City FC for the 2022 National Women's Soccer League season.[3] Although initially slated to remain in her post for the remainder of the season, following concerns about possible conflicts of interest Coombe stepped down on August 29, with her final match in charge being a 1–0 defeat to the Orlando Pride on that day.[4] Scott Parkinson was subsequently announced as Coombe's successor on August 31.[5] On October 30, Gotham qualified for the NWSL playoffs for the first time since 2013,[6] [7] but were subsequently eliminated in the first round by the Chicago Red Stars.

Team

First-team roster

[8]

NameNationalityPosition(s)Date of birth (age)Signed fromNotes
Goalkeepers
1Kailen SheridanGK16 July 1995 Clemson Tigers
13DiDi HaracicGK12 April 1992 Washington Spirit
21Mandy McGlynnGK3 November 1998 Virginia Cavaliers
35Megan HinzGK4 December 1995 Chicago Red Stars
Defenders
3Caprice DydascoRB/LB19 August 1993 Washington Spirit
8Erica SkroskiCB/LB14 February 1994 Rutgers Scarlet Knights
12Gina LewandowskiCB13 April 1985 Bayern Munich
15Sabrina FloresRB/LB31 January 1996 Sevilla
22Mandy FreemanCB23 March 1995 USC Trojans
24Estelle JohnsonCB21 July 1988 Washington Spirit
28Imani DorseyLB/LW21 March 1996 Duke Blue Devils
Midfielders
2Brianna PintoCM24 May 2000 University of North Carolina
5Nicole BaxterDM/CM/AM24 May 1994 Asarums IF
6Jennifer CudjoeCM/AM7 March 1994 Racing Louisville
7McCall Zerboni (captain)CM/AM13 December 1986 North Carolina Courage
9Nahomi KawasumiLW/AM/FW23 September 1985 OL Reign
11Lee So-damCM12 October 1994 Hyundai Steel Red Angels
14Kenie WrightDM/CB/RB/LB14 August 1997 Rutgers Scarlet Knights
16Allie LongCM13 August 1987 OL Reign
17Domi RichardsonDM/CM/CB18 October 1992Free agent
18Delanie SheehanCM/RB13 January 1999 UCLA
19Elizabeth EddyCM/AM/RW/LB13 September 1991 North Carolina Courage
27Gaëtane ThineyAM/FW28 October 1985 Paris FCLoan in
Forwards
4Paige MonaghanRW/FW13 November 1996 Butler Bulldogs
10Carli LloydFW/DM/CM/AM16 July 1982 Houston Dash
20Évelyne ViensFW6 February 1997 South Florida Bulls
23Margaret PurceRW/LW/FW/RB18 September 1995 Portland Thorns FC
25Ifeoma OnumonuFW25 February 1994 OL Reign

Coaching staff

[9]

PositionStaff
Head Coach Scott Parkinson
Assistant Coach Beverly Goebel Yanez
Assistant Coach Becki Tweed
Goalkeeper Coach Daniel Ball
High Performance Coach Philip Congleton
Technical Advisor Marcia McDermott
Head Physio Joelle Muro
Head Athletic Trainer Sara Carpentieri

Competitions

Preseason

Preseason training camp began on February 1, 2021. On the same day, Gotham FC announced a 28-player preseason roster, including four non-roster invitees.[10] The club's first preseason friendly was announced on March 3, to be played behind closed doors.[11] Another friendly, against fellow NWSL club Washington Spirit, was announced on March 7.[12]

Matches

National Women's Soccer League

See main article: 2021 National Women's Soccer League season.

Regular season

Matches

The regular season schedule was announced on April 27, 2021.[13] [14]

Playoffs

Matches

Challenge Cup

See main article: 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup. The schedule for the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup was announced on March 9, 2021. Under the rules of the competition, Gotham played four matches as part of the East Division.[15] On April 5, the club announced a twenty-four player roster for the tournament.[16]

Championship

See main article: 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup Championship.

As a result of their performances in the East Division of the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, in which Gotham FC went unbeaten, the club qualified for the championship match on May 2, 2021.[17] However, because West Division champions Portland Thorns FC had a better overall record in the cup, Portland were selected as the home team for the final.

Squad statistics

Appearances

No.PlayerNWSLPlayoffsChallenge CupTotal
StartsStartsStartsStarts
1GKKailen Sheridan161611001717
2MFBrianna Pinto1000000100
3DFCaprice Dydasco242311543028
4FWPaige Monaghan12510551810
5MFNicole Baxter00001111
6MFJennifer Cudjoe11600551611
7MFMcCall Zerboni201811102219
8DFErica Skroski1170011128
9MFNahomi Kawasumi231811552924
10FWCarli Lloyd121211441717
11MFLee So-dam1450044189
12DFGina Lewandowski202011552626
13GKDiDi Haracic8800551313
15DFSabrina Flores53003083
16MFAllie Long212111212423
17MFDomi Richardson70002090
18MFDelanie Sheehan62000062
19MFElizabeth Eddy1751030215
20FWÉvelyne Viens1331030173
21GKMandy McGlynn10000010
22DFMandy Freeman10810441512
23FWMargaret Purce161611442121
24DFEstelle Johnson191911312321
25FWIfeoma Onumonu242111513023
27MFGaëtane Thiney1281000138
28DFImani Dorsey151311552119
Players who went out on loan or left permanently but made appearances for Gotham prior to departing
18MFTaylor Aylmer00001010
Total241530

Goals

No.PlayerNWSLPlayoffsChallenge CupTotal
23FWMargaret Purce90211
25FWIfeoma Onumonu8008
10FWCarli Lloyd4026
4FWPaige Monaghan1012
27MFGaëtane Thiney2002
3DFCaprice Dydasco1001
7MFMcCall Zerboni1001
9MFNahomi Kawasumi1001
16MFAllie Long1001
17MFDomi Richardson1001
20FWÉvelyne Viens0011
Own goals0000
Total290635

Assists

No.PlayerNWSLPlayoffsChallenge CupTotal
25FWIfeoma Onumonu4026
3DFCaprice Dydasco5005
9MFNahomi Kawasumi4004
20FWÉvelyne Viens3003
28DFImani Dorsey0022
4FWPaige Monaghan0011
6MFJennifer Cudjoe0011
7MFMcCall Zerboni1001
10MFCarli Lloyd1001
18MFDelanie Sheehan1001
19MFElizabeth Eddy1001
23FWMargaret Purce1001
24DFEstelle Johnson1001

Shutouts

No.PlayerNWSLPlayoffsChallenge CupTotal
1Kailen Sheridan6006
13DiDi Haracic2035
21Mandy McGlynn0000

Disciplinary record

No.PlayerNWSLPlayoffsChallenge CupTotal
1GKKailen Sheridan10000010
3DFCaprice Dydasco30001040
4FWPaige Monaghan20000020
6MFJennifer Cudjoe20002040
7MFMcCall Zerboni10000010
8DFErica Skroski10001020
9MFNahomi Kawasumi10000010
10FWCarli Lloyd30100040
11MFLee So-dam20000020
12DFGina Lewandowski10001020
16MFAllie Long60000060
20FWÉvelyne Viens10000010
22DFMandy Freeman10100020
23FWMargaret Purce40000040
24DFEstelle Johnson10100020
25FWIfeoma Onumonu30000030
27MFGaëtane Thiney10000010
28DFImani Dorsey40000040
Total3803050460

Transfers

2021 NWSL Draft

RoundPickPlayerCollege
13Brianna PintoMFUniversity of North Carolina
323Taryn TorresMFUniversity of Virginia
433Delanie SheehanDFUCLA
440Tess BoadeFWDuke University

Transfers in

DatePlayerPrevious clubFee/notesRef.
January 5, 2021Lee So-damMF Hyundai Steel Red AngelsFree agent[18]
January 13, 2021Jennifer CudjoeMF Racing Louisville FCTrade for allocation money and 13th overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft[19]
April 9, 2021Taylor AylmerMF Rutgers Scarlet KnightsNational team replacement player[20]
Claire WinterMF UCLA Bruins
April 27, 2021Allie LongMF OL ReignTrade for allocation money and 2nd round pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft[21]
June 4, 2021Brianna PintoMF University of North CarolinaDraft pick. Signed two-year contract.[22]
July 8, 2021Delanie SheehanMF UCLADraft pick. National team replacement player.[23]

Transfers out

DatePlayerDestination clubFee/notesRef.
November 12, 2020Jennifer CudjoeMF Racing Louisville FC2020 NWSL Expansion Draft[24]
Kaleigh RiehlDF
December 29, 2020Mallory PughFW Chicago Red StarsTrade for draft picks and International slots[25]
Sarah WoldmoeMF

New contracts

DatePlayerRef.
December 10, 2020Nicole BaxterMF[28]
December 14, 2020Kenie WrightMF[29]
December 16, 2020Nahomi KawasumiMF[30]
December 18, 2020Mandy FreemanDF[31]
December 21, 2020Ifeoma OnumonuFW[32]
December 22, 2020Gina LewandowskiDF[33]
January 20, 2021Caprice DydascoDF[34]
January 26, 2021McCall ZerboniMF[35]
January 28, 2021Megan HinzGK[36]
January 29, 2021DiDi HaracicGK[37]

Awards

NWSL annual awards

Monthly awards

NWSL Team of the Month

MonthPlayer(s)Ref.
May Kailen Sheridan
Caprice Dydasco
[41]
June Caprice Dydasco[42]
July Caprice Dydasco
Allie Long
[43]
August Caprice Dydasco
Ifeoma Onumonu
[44]
September Kailen Sheridan
Estelle Johnson
[45]
October Caprice Dydasco
Margaret Purce
[46]

Weekly awards

Challenge Cup

Save of the Week

National Women's Soccer League

NWSL Player of the Week
WeekPlayerRef.
1 Margaret Purce[48]
13 Ifeoma Onumonu[49]
21 Margaret Purce[50]
NWSL Save of the Week
WeekPlayerRef.
3 Kailen Sheridan[51]
8 DiDi Haracic[52]
22 Kailen Sheridan[53]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: NJ/NY Gotham FC draw with Racing, secure place in Challenge Cup Championship. May 2, 2021. May 23, 2021. nwslsoccer.com.
  2. Web site: Gotham FC Looks to Make a Statement in the Challenge Cup Final. O'Neill. Max. Venus Sports. May 8, 2021. May 23, 2021.
  3. Web site: Angel City names Freya Coombe as coach. Los Angeles Times. August 22, 2021. August 30, 2021.
  4. Web site: Freya Coombe's exit from Gotham FC upends what has been a strong NWSL season. August 30, 2021. August 30, 2021. Tannenwald. Jonathan. Philadelphia Inquirer.
  5. Web site: NJ/NY Gotham FC Announces New Head Coach and Assistant Coach. gothamfc.com. August 31, 2021. August 31, 2021.
  6. NWSL. National Women's Soccer League. 1454662989437673474. The Gotham are in!!! Playoff bound ⚽️. October 31, 2021. October 31, 2021.
  7. GothamFC. NJ/NY Gotham FC. 1454659511847985155. First time since 2013 see you in the Playoffs fam #YERRRRRR. October 31, 2021. October 31, 2021.
  8. Web site: 2021 Gotham FC Roster. NJ/NY Gotham FC. April 6, 2021.
  9. Web site: Technical Staff. Sky Blue FC. January 30, 2021. May 13, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200513204044/https://skybluefc.com/technical-staff/. dead.
  10. Web site: Sky Blue FC Announces 2021 Preseason Roster. February 1, 2021. February 1, 2021. skybluefc.com. February 1, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210201175042/https://skybluefc.com/2021/02/01/sky-blue-fc-announces-2021-preseason-roster/. dead.
  11. Web site: Sky Blue FC to Play James Madison University in First Preseason Match of 2021. skybluefc.com. March 3, 2021. March 3, 2021. March 21, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210321131820/https://skybluefc.com/2021/03/03/sky-blue-fc-to-play-james-madison-university-in-first-preseason-match-of-2021/. dead.
  12. Web site: Washington Spirit notebook: Preseason game at Audi Field vs. Sky Blue FC, plus injury updates and more. Anderson. Jason. March 7, 2021. March 7, 2021. blackandredunited.com.
  13. Web site: NWSL Announces Full 2021 Regular Season Schedule. nwslsoccer.com. April 27, 2021. April 27, 2021.
  14. Web site: 2021 Regular Season Schedule. gothamfc.com. April 27, 2021. April 27, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210427174356/https://www.gothamfc.com/2021-schedule. dead.
  15. Web site: NWSL Releases Full Schedule and Broadcast Details for 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup Presented by Secret Deodorant. March 9, 2021. March 9, 2021. NWSLsoccer.com.
  16. Web site: Sky Blue FC Announces 24-Player Roster Ahead of Challenge Cup. skybluefc.com. April 5, 2021. April 6, 2021.
  17. Web site: NJ/NY Gotham FC draw with Racing, secure place in Challenge Cup Championship. nwslsoccer.com. May 2, 2021. May 2, 2021.
  18. Web site: Sky Blue FC signs South Korean National Team Midfielder Sodam Lee. January 5, 2021. January 5, 2021. Sky Blue FC. January 7, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210107193639/https://skybluefc.com/2021/01/05/sky-blue-fc-signs-south-korean-national-team-midfielder-sodam-lee/. dead.
  19. Web site: Sky Blue FC Acquires Midfielder Jennifer Cudjoe From Racing Louisville FC. Sky Blue FC. January 13, 2021. January 13, 2021. January 14, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210114075046/https://skybluefc.com/2021/01/13/sky-blue-fc-acquires-midfielder-jennifer-cudjoe-from-racing-louisville-fc/. dead.
  20. Web site: NJ/NY Gotham FC Sign Taylor Aylmer and Claire Winter to National Team Replacement Player Contracts. April 9, 2021. April 16, 2021. Gotham FC. gothamfc.com.
  21. Web site: OL REIGN ACQUIRE ALLOCATION MONEY AND DRAFT PICK FROM GOTHAM FC. olreign.com. April 27, 2021. April 27, 2021.
  22. GothamFC. 1400876745142722566. She’s hereeeeee Gotham FC has signed @uncwomenssoccer standout and 2021 Mac Hermann Trophy finalist @b_pinto9 to a two-year contract. Welcome Brianna .
  23. Web site: DELANIE MAKES SOME FRIENDS: Sheehan signs replacement player contract with Gotham FC. Front Row Soccer. July 8, 2021. July 22, 2021.
  24. Web site: The 2020 NWSL expansion draft: all of Racing Louisville's picks. Allforxi.com. Yang. Stephanie. November 12, 2020. December 15, 2020.
  25. Web site: Chicago Acquires Mallory Pugh from Sky Blue FC. nwslsoccer.com. December 29, 2020. December 29, 2020.
  26. Web site: Gaëtane Thiney Joins NJ/NY Gotham FC on Loan from Paris FC for the 2021 Season. gothamfc.com. June 8, 2021. June 9, 2021.
  27. Web site: Sky Blue FC Forward Evelyne Viens Loaned to Paris FC. Sky Blue FC. August 31, 2020. August 31, 2020. September 13, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200913082256/https://skybluefc.com/2020/08/31/sky-blue-fc-forward-evelyne-viens-loaned-to-paris-fc/. dead.
  28. Web site: Sky Blue FC Signs Midfielder Nicole Baxter for 2021. Sky Blue FC. December 10, 2020. December 15, 2020. December 11, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201211204700/https://skybluefc.com/2020/12/10/sky-blue-fc-signs-midfielder-nicole-baxter-for-2021/. dead.
  29. Web site: Sky Blue FC Re-Signs Midfielder Kenie Wright For 2021. Sky Blue FC. December 14, 2020. December 15, 2020. December 14, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201214200903/https://skybluefc.com/2020/12/14/sky-blue-fc-re-signs-midfielder-kenie-wright-for-2021/. dead.
  30. Web site: Midfielder Nahomi Kawasumi Re-signs with Sky Blue FC for 2021. Sky Blue FC. December 16, 2020. December 18, 2020. December 17, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201217202704/https://skybluefc.com/2020/12/16/midfielder-nahomi-kawasumi-re-signs-with-sky-blue-fc-for-2021/. dead.
  31. Web site: Sky Blue FC Re-Signs Defender Mandy Freeman for 2021. Sky Blue FC. December 18, 2020. December 18, 2020. January 20, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210120215134/https://skybluefc.com/2020/12/18/sky-blue-fc-re-signs-defender-mandy-freeman-for-2021/. dead.
  32. Web site: Sky Blue FC Re-Signs Forward Ifeoma Onumonu for 2021. December 21, 2020. December 24, 2020. Sky Blue FC. January 20, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210120214923/https://skybluefc.com/2020/12/21/sky-blue-fc-re-signs-forward-ifeoma-onumonu-for-2021/. dead.
  33. Web site: Defender Gina Lewandowski Re-Signs with Sky Blue FC for 2021. Sky Blue FC. December 22, 2020. December 24, 2020. December 22, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201222183708/https://skybluefc.com/2020/12/22/defender-gina-lewandowski-re-signs-with-sky-blue-fc-for-2021/. dead.
  34. Web site: Sky Blue FC re-signs defender Caprice Dydasco for 2021. January 20, 2021. Sky Blue FC. January 20, 2021. January 20, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210120210325/https://skybluefc.com/2021/01/20/sky-blue-fc-re-signs-defender-caprice-dydasco-for-2021/. dead.
  35. News: Sky Blue FC signs midfielder McCall Zerboni. nwslsoccer.com. January 26, 2021. January 27, 2021.
  36. Web site: Sky Blue FC re-signs goalkeeper Megan Hinz for 2021 NWSL Season. January 28, 2021. Sky Blue FC. February 1, 2021. February 7, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210207023008/https://skybluefc.com/2021/01/28/sky-blue-fc-re-signs-goalkeeper-megan-hinz-for-2021-nwsl-season/. dead.
  37. Web site: Sky Blue FC re-signs goalkeeper DiDi Haracic for 2021 NWSL Season. January 29, 2021. February 1, 2021. Sky Blue FC. February 5, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210205104258/https://skybluefc.com/2021/01/29/sky-blue-fc-re-signs-goalkeeper-didi-haracic-for-2021-nwsl-season/. dead.
  38. Web site: NWSL Announces the Winners of Mastercard Inaugural 2021 Best XI Awards. November 17, 2021. November 19, 2021. nwslsoccer.com.
  39. Web site: NJ/NY Gotham FC Back Caprice Dydasco Named 2021 NWSL Defender of the Year. nwslsoccer.com. November 15, 2021. November 19, 2021.
  40. Web site: NJ/NY Gotham FC Forward Margaret Purce Named October Player of the Month. nwslsoccer.com. November 4, 2021. November 19, 2021.
  41. Web site: May Team of the Month. NWSLsoccer. NWSL. November 19, 2021. June 3, 2021.
  42. Web site: NWSL Announces June Team of the Month. NWSLsoccer. NWSL. November 19, 2021. July 1, 2021.
  43. Web site: NWSL Announces July Team of the Month. NWSLsoccer. NWSL. November 19, 2021. August 6, 2021.
  44. Web site: NWSL Announces August Team of the Month. NWSLsoccer. NWSL. November 19, 2021. September 2, 2021.
  45. Web site: NWSL Announces September Team of the Month. NWSLsoccer. NWSL. November 19, 2021. October 8, 2021.
  46. Web site: NWSL Announces October Team of the Month. NWSLsoccer. NWSL. November 19, 2021. November 4, 2021.
  47. National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1392555510700912642 . May 12, 2021 . Was there ever a doubt? @DIdeeds legendary stop takes home @Verizon Save of the Week honors #CC21 @GothamFC https://t.co/8nCa7w05u8 . en . November 19, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210527120421/https://twitter.com/NWSL/status/1392555510700912642 . May 27, 2021 . live.
  48. National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1395092017777192961 . May 19, 2021 . Week 1 is @100Purcent The @GothamFC star takes home @budweiserusa Player of the Week honors #NWSL21 https://t.co/ExpUNNOdBk . en . November 19, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210520051419/https://twitter.com/NWSL/status/1395092017777192961 . May 20, 2021 . live.
  49. National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1428088125335605248 . August 18, 2021. t's not she balls out, it's when she balls out in the chat for this week's @budweiserusa Player of the Week winner, @ify_on22. November 19, 2021.
  50. National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1450937973319610371 . October 20, 2021 . 100% her week Cheers to @100Purcent on taking home this week's @budweiserusa Player of the Week . en .
  51. National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1400199427684507648 . June 2, 2021 . The hero Gotham deserves @Kailen_Sheridan's amazing stop takes home @Verizon Save of the Week honors for Week 3 ✅ @GothamFC #NWSL21 https://t.co/AY7J4LEdsQ . en . November 19, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210624132222/https://twitter.com/nwsl/status/1400199427684507648 . June 24, 2021 . live.
  52. National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1415423714494136326 . July 14, 2021 . Picture perfect save @DIdeeds takes home @Verizon Save of the Week honors for this stop at Providence Park ⤵️ https://t.co/O8G2iFXDPE . en . November 19, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210722070418/https://twitter.com/NWSL/status/1415423714494136326 . July 22, 2021 . live.
  53. National Women's Soccer League . National Women's Soccer League . NWSL . 1456025304074493952. November 3, 2021 . The hero @GothamFC needed @Kailen_Sheridan takes home @Verizon Save of the Week honors for this stop . en .