Gotham FC stoked to be ‘writing history, moving franchise forward with Citi Field match

Gotham FC stoked to be ‘writing history, moving franchise forward with Citi Field match

Mandy Freeman has seen quite a bit at Gotham FC.

A decade with the club has brought more than 10,000 minutes, a rebrand from Sky Blue and two NWSL championships.

But on Wednesday night, she will experience a first: witnessing her club step out in front of a packed Citi Field.

“It hasn’t always been easy over the years,” Freeman said, “but being able to stick it out and stick it through is for these moments.”

Gotham FC celebrates after defeating Kansas City Current in the NWSL Challenge Cup match at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on June 26, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Queens Classic, in which Gotham will host the Washington Spirit (8 p.m., ESPN) in front of more than 40,000 fans, is a big statement which head coach Juan Carlos Amorós called an “amazing opportunity.”

“I think it’s a day that is definitely writing history for women’s soccer and women’s sport,” Amorós said.

For Freeman, who was drafted in 2017, it’s another impressive example of the strides the franchise has made.

Freeman and her teammates used to play in front of far more paltry crowds at Rutgers’ Yurcak Field, while the club recently announced plans for its first dedicated training facility.

With Australian star Sam Kerr expected to make her second debut for the club Wednesday, Freeman and her again-teammate will be relishing the chance awaiting them.

“Yeah, I was just talking to Sam about it — playing at Yurcak versus now playing at Citi Field,” Freeman revealed. “I think it’s just amazing to kind of be able to witness the rise from Sky Blue to Gotham and be a part of that journey. And I think it’s well deserved.”

This trip to Queens won’t merely be a one-off, as Gotham will permanently move across the street to New York City FC’s Etihad Park in 2028.

Amorós urged his players to be “brave” and “creative” as he looks to win over new supporters.


Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle (16) controls the ball against San Diego Wave FC.
Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle controls the ball during the second half against the San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“We try to play that style of football that really makes the fans have fun, and that’s what we’re trying to do tomorrow,” he said. “Make sure that everyone that comes to Citi Field, they fall in love with the team and that they’re looking forward to check when we play again.” 

Those who attend the primetime matchup or watch on ESPN’s airwaves will be given plenty of reasons to return, with Kerr, Washington’s Trinity Rodman and New York’s Rose Lavelle among the biggest names in the league,

Gotham, at fourth place in the league, will be looking to defeat their second-place rivals and “rise to that pressure” at the Mets’ home, Freeman said. But she also her eyes on the future.

“We want to be breaking records every single time we play in New York,” she said, “because that’s the amount of fans that we’re capable of having at games.”


The club announced the signing of Irish midfielder Denise O’Sullivan from Liverpool.

The arrival of O’Sullivan, a two-time champion with the North Carolina Courage, is an initial one-year loan with an obligation to buy.

“I think Denise is … probably one of the best midfielders on the planet,” Amorós said. “The way she sees, understands, reads the game — I think it’s something that can bring a lot for the team and for our fans.”

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