Gotham FC Coach Takes Paternity Leave
Positive developments abound for Gotham FC at the moment. Yet, just as everything seems to be coming together, the club faces a temporary setback: their head coach has stepped away for a bit.
Juan Carlos Amoros will be on paternity leave for seven weeks after welcoming his second child, as the team revealed on Monday. In a statement, he expressed gratitude for Gotham’s unwavering support during his midseason absence.
Amoros described this decision as deeply personal, stating, “This is a personal decision for our family, but we also recognize the high profile that comes with our role. When fathers, especially men in leadership positions, take parental leave, it helps normalize an important principle: Caring for children is a shared responsibility of both parents. I have to be there for my family.”
In Amoros’ absence, lead assistant Sean Harris will step in as the acting head coach. Interestingly, Harris has already held this role three times this season, with the team achieving victories against Chicago and Seattle. He is set to lead Gotham in their upcoming match against the Portland Thorns on Friday.
Meanwhile, Sean Nahas, formerly the University of North Carolina coach and currently a consultant for Gotham, will expand his involvement as the interim director of methodology.
According to Yael Apfelbusch-West, Gotham’s President of Soccer Operations, “We are proud to be a club that recognizes the need to support all parents to create a level playing field. We are grateful that Juan is using his platform to amplify that message, and we have great confidence in Sean and our entire technical staff to continue leading the team during this time.”
This transitional phase comes at an exciting time for the club. Sam Kerr, a global superstar, is back with the team. Recently, Gotham broke attendance records during a decisive victory over the Washington Spirit in the inaugural Queen’s Classic at Citi Field, followed by a spectacular comeback against the Seattle Reign on Saturday.
Currently, Gotham has won four of their last five matches, placing them in a tie for first in the NWSL standings with the Spirit.
Amoros is expected to return to the team in early September, just in time before the regular season concludes on November 1.
