Gotham FC news roundup: Kayla Duran, the Ballon d’Or Fémenin, and more | OneFootball

NJ/NY Gotham FC has had an okay start to the second half of the NWSL season. The ladies have not lost, but shared the points after draws with Chicago Stars FC and the Washington Spirit. In fact, they survived going down a player in the 30th minute against the Spirit due to Geyse's red card, which is fantastic since many teams tend to lose when they are in a similar situation.

The Bats must do better, though, for they need to win to climb up the NWSL table. In the meantime, there are some stories to cover. Therefore, here is the next Gotham FC news roundup that includes Kayla Duran's new contract and more.

Kayla Duran signs through February

Kayla Duran initially joined Gotham FC last month on a short-term contract. She must have impressed the club enough, for she is extending her stay. The NJ/NY side signed her through February 2026. This adds a defender, which was desperately needed. However, her lack of professional experience means that the team should sign another defensive player.

Duran has a chance to impress Gotham, and already had a decent appearance when she made her debut as a substitute in the match against the Spirit. Hopefully, she will be a solid addition as the season continues.

Gotham FC player nominations

Gotham FC has a few player nominations for the prestigious annual awards. Esther González was nominated for the Ballon d’Or Fémenin, which awards the best women's soccer player in the world. The Spaniard has been brilliant for both club and country over the last year and is currently tied with Temwa Chawinga in the NWSL Golden Boot race with ten goals.

Then, Ann-Katrin Berger is one of the five players nominated for the Women’s Yashin Trophy, which goes to the best goalkeeper. Like her teammate, she has shined in league play and on the international stage, winning the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year last season and being significant for Germany in the 2024 Olympics and Euro 2025.

It is not often Gotham players are nominated for these prestigious awards. Congratulations are in order to González and Berger.

Juan Carlos Amorós was proud of his players

After the draw to the Washington Spirit, Juan Carlos Amorós praised his players for rising to the occasion when they were down a player. While they did not win, he said he can "only praise them" and that "they were outstanding" for playing how they did for the rest of the match.

The Gotham FC head coach also thought the game would have ended with three points without the red card. He took a bit of a risk in the postgame press conference by calling out some of the refereeing throughout the fixture. He had every right to do so with some of the missed fouls and lack of cards on the Spirit. It will be interesting to see whether he will face any consequences.