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Gotham v Spirit clash draws record New York crowd for women's sports
🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

Gotham v Spirit clash draws record New York crowd for women's sports

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 in front of a record crowd of over 42,000 for a women's sporting event in New York City.
  • The match took place at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, despite smoke from Canadian wildfires.
  • NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman highlighted the attendance as proof of concept for investment in women's sports and the team's upcoming move to Queens.

A record crowd of over 42,000 fans packed Citi Field on Wednesday, setting a new benchmark for women's sporting events in New York City. The attendance figure surpassed the 2023 U.S. Open women's singles final, demonstrating a surge in support for women's soccer. Gotham FC secured a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit, with Rose Lavelle scoring the decisive goal in the 37th minute. The match also marked the highly anticipated return of Australian striker Sam Kerr to the North American league after her spell with Chelsea.

We know that with investment, if you build it, they will come. And this is a proof point for that.

— Jessica BermanNWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman commented on the record attendance and its significance for investment in women's sports.

Fans braved a smoky haze from Canadian wildfires to witness the historic event. The significant turnout is a major boost for Gotham FC, which recently announced plans to relocate from its suburban New Jersey stadium to Etihad Park in Queens by 2028. This move aims to increase accessibility for fans and foster a stronger connection with the New York City audience.

My favourite thing about tonight is that it isn't transactional. It's not a one and done. This is the beginning of a new relationship for this team in Queens.

— Jessica BermanNWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman discussed the long-term implications of the team's upcoming move to Queens.

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman emphasized the importance of the record attendance, calling it a "proof point" for investment in women's sports. "We know that with investment, if you build it, they will come," Berman stated. She highlighted the event not as a one-off, but as the "beginning of a new relationship for this team in Queens," anticipating a hungry fanbase eager to support top-tier soccer.

And we know that there's an entire fan base here that is going to be really hungry to enjoy the best soccer in the world.

— Jessica BermanNWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman expressed optimism about the fanbase in Queens.

The enthusiasm for soccer in the U.S. is palpable, contributing to record numbers at the expanded men's World Cup and building excitement for the upcoming final. The return of Kerr, a former Gotham player from 2015-2017, added a layer of narrative to the evening, evoking a sense of "full circle" for fans and league officials alike, signaling a new era for the team and women's soccer.

In many ways this is like a full circle moment with Sam Kerr coming here and being able to experience this on her first night.

— Jessica BermanNWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman reflected on Sam Kerr's return to Gotham FC.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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