5 reasons to be thankful for Gotham FC in 2024 | OneFootball

The last two seasons have been fantastic for NJ/NY Gotham FC after finishing in last place in 2022. The club won their first NWSL Championship in 2023 and finished the season in third place in 2024. Records were broken this season while the Bats were one of the best teams in the league.

It would have been nice to make the Championship match again this year, but Gotham was sadly eliminated in the semifinals by the Washington Spirit. It was not the ideal ending, but there is plenty to appreciate about the 2024 season.

Since Thanksgiving is coming up, it is a great time to reflect on what one is thankful for. So, here are five reasons to be thankful for Gotham FC in 2024.

Reasons to be thankful for Gotham FC

1. Ann-Katrin Berger is one of the best goalkeepers in the NWSL. After all, she was named the Goalkeeper of the Year. Gotham FC is lucky to have her between the sticks, for she is a major reason for some of the wins this year. Berger was a great signing and fans can be thankful they have a great keeper.

2. One cannot forget about Esther González. The striker's second-half surge led her to have 12 goals in all competitions. She was another reason why the Bats finished the year in third place with 56 points.

3. The first-ever home playoff game is a reason to be thankful for Gotham FC. The match broke the team's attendance record while the Bats had an exciting win over Portland Thorns FC. The NJ/NY side gave supporters an event to remember for the rest of their lives.

4. Meanwhile, the club does a great job with different events, themes, and celebratory games throughout the season. There is always something to look forward to, whether it is celebrating a holiday, player, etc. Some examples include the Pride Celebration and Kids Night. Of course, Sinead Farrelly and Kelley O'Hara were celebrated and honored, as the two played their final games this season. Plus, the fan fests before matches are always fun and have plenty to do.

5. The biggest reason to be thankful for Gotham FC is that the team can compete with the best. The Bats only lost four regular-season games and even beat the current champions, the Orlando Pride, in the regular-season home finale. Throughout the season, there have been some dominating wins and close ones. After some rough years, supporters can be thankful that Gotham FC is full of talent and can compete for a championship.