Gotham FC news roundup: Bound for the 2026 postseason and Jaelin Howell | OneFootball

NJ/NY Gotham FC continues to have a five-point lead in the NWSL Shield race after the Bats had a great win against the North Carolina Courage. With five more matches to play, they only have to win at least four more to secure the shield. Then, if the Washington Spirit and San Diego Wave FC lose one of their games, then that magic number turns to three.

It is a great accomplishment, especially after winning the NWSL Championship last season. The NJ/NY side has never finished in first place or even in second, though. As such, they are on track to have their highest finish yet.

There is some news to cover, so here is the next Gotham FC news roundup.

Gotham FC has clinched a postseason berth

After this weekend's win and some of the games around the NWSL, Gotham FC has officially clinched a postseason berth. This is the fourth year in a row that the team has made the playoffs, which is their longest streak. While they have not confirmed a home playoff game, they are well on their way based on their form in 2026.

As mentioned, the next goal is to win the NWSL Shield, which is something that Gotham FC has never done. Although winning the NWSL Championship would be better, it would still be nice to have at least one Shield to the club's name. If anything, hopefully the Bats will win one or the other, or even both.

In addition, it is a great feeling to know that the NJ/NY team is heading to the postseason early on. Remember, this was a team that struggled almost every year of their existence until the 2023 season. Gotham fans are fortunate to finally see a solid product over the last four years.

A Jaelin Howell milestone

During the Courage game, Jaelin Howell reached a milestone accomplishment for the NJ/NY side. She started and played in her 50th game in the regular season for the club. Truthfully, when she first signed with Gotham, there was the thought that she could do well. It was unknown, though, whether she would, as she was not playing her best football when she came from Seattle Reign FC.