Not three months ago, GOTHAM FC was overwhelmed by disappointment.
They were full of talent and were considered to be one of the NWSL's “super teams”, but there was no trophy.
One year after completing the magnificent turnaround, one year after winning the 2023 NWSL championship, Gotam FC was excluded by Washington Spirit in the November penalty kick semifinals.
Gotham's media day was still emotional because the team last year left a chance in the championship in the table.
“In my opinion, we didn't reach where the group was or that group,” said Defender Emily Sonnet.
Defender Tiana Davidson agreed.
“Everyone in this team has the same feelings, knows that we are talented, and we know that we have reached the championship game,” she said. Ta.
However, a team that has a lot of possibilities is part of the beauty and pain of sports.
Sometimes the expected result is not actually happening. Davidson said that in the case of Gotham, the semifinals last season ended, “We want more.”
Success has sometimes high expectations, and Star Midfielder Rose Ravel said they welcome pressure.
“clearly [last season] I didn't end the method we wanted. In this league, you always want to beat the championship, so it may be difficult to do your season on how the last game has progressed, “Lavelle said. “But apart from the games, you look back and we have a great season.
“This is the criterion we want to continue to promote this club. We will continue competition over the top of the table and fight to gain shields. [which is awarded to the NWSL team that accrues the most points in the regular season] And beat the championship. So we want to be our new standard. ”
The Gotam FC team, which was gathered in Brooklyn for the team's media day, was not the same team as a few months ago.
Yes, I returned to Gotam Kit, including the team's 2024 top galescorer, Elastibon and Ravel, and had many familiar faces.
However, Gotam also added some new exciting players, including Brazil stars, Gabi Portillo and Jerin Howell, after several famous departures during the off -season. Forwards Lin Williams, Yazmine Ryan and Delanie Seahan are suitable for other clubs this season.
Stevens stated that she was “sad” to not share a locker room with her former teammate, but she added that she was “the nature of the sports we are.”
Gotam player on Monday did not want to tell who was gone from the 2024 team. Instead, many people have been excited by the new addition, especially in Portilho, who helped to acquire Brazil at the 2024 Parisiang Games.
“It's better to play with her than to play with her,” said the forward Jessica Silva.
Gotam boarded an airplane on Tuesday, where the team trained for the next 2.5 weeks.
This pre -season trip offers important opportunities for Gotam to build the basics of what you want to do this season.
“I'm really confident in this group,” said Davidson. “But in most cases, we look forward to building good chemistry in this field. I think it's more than just talent. To understand each other and really learn the games of each other. I think it's time to spend time.
Losing in the semifinals was a great disappointment for Gotham. However, the team has returned with a new sense of urgency and determination.
“There is no limit on our potential,” Martin said. “We need to see how we will gel together and where our talent will fit.”
Gotham will open the season on the road on March 15 for Seattle reign in Lumenfield.
