Gotham FC news roundup: The Queens Classic and Ryan Campbell's loan | OneFootball

It has been a summer full of soccer with the 2026 FIFA World Cup going on across North America. With fans focusing on the tournament, there has also been renewed interest in soccer leagues like the NWSL. As fans know, NJ/NY Gotham FC just hosted the Queens Classic at Citi Field, and that was a huge success. Plus, the team won, beating the Washington Spirit.

As such, the Bats will continue with the NWSL season. The summer of soccer will not end, but that also means that the news will not end either. With that said, here is a Gotham FC news roundup.

Gotham FC and the Queens Classic

As supporters already know, the Queens Classic took place on Wednesday, and it was a successful event. Not only were there things to do off the pitch, but the Bats' 1-0 win over the Spirit shows that the team can compete with some of the best teams in the NWSL.

And of course, one of the big stories was the attendance. For a long time, the NJ/NY side has struggled to get the fans into the stands. This is likely part of the reason why the club is moving to Etihad Park in 2028. Before Wednesday, the largest attendance was back in 2024, with 15,569 supporters attending the only playoff game the team has ever hosted.

But now, the team officially has a new record: 42,175 fans. The supporters filled Citi Field, breaking a few records. Of course, this is Gotham's highest-attended match. But this was also the highest attended women's sporting event in New York City. And then, this was the second-highest NWSL match. Plus, this was the first NWSL game in New York City, for the Bats have previously played in the five boroughs in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup.

Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come in the future. And maybe, just maybe, Gotham can play in a bigger stadium every now and again. After all, people came out on a not-so-great day with the heat and air quality. That shows dedication, and it proves that people care about women's sports.

Ryan Campbell's loan deal

For some unknown reason, Gotham FC has had four goalkeepers on the roster. It is was not needed, and perhaps the club has realized this. They announced on Thursday that Ryan Campbell has been loaned to "Lexington SC of the Gainbridge Super League through December, with an option to extend the loan for an additional six months."

This is a smart move by the Bats. Campbell is talented and could be the goalkeeper of the future. Plus, Shelby Hogan is an incredible second-choice keeper to have behind Ann-Katrin Berger. As such, this is not only a smart move, but the right move. This will get Campbell minutes, which she needs if she is in Gotham FC's future plans.