SAN JOSE, Calif. — A Look at Gotham FC’s Journey
Mandy Freeman sat at a high table in a busy Civic Center on Thursday afternoon, observing the buzz around her.
Her teammates from Gotham FC, looking like stars, were fielding questions from reporters and influencers ahead of their championship match against the Spirit on Saturday.
This marked the second time in three years that Freeman, a seasoned player, found herself in the middle of such a media whirlwind before an NWSL Championship game.
As Gotham’s longest-serving player, Freeman hasn’t forgotten the club’s challenging journey to becoming a competitive force in the league.
“I’m really grateful to still be a part of this. I’ve seen all the ups and downs and truly realized the potential here,” she shared with a hint of nostalgia. “This club values its people. We’ve always had great players and quality staff backing us.”
Freeman initially joined Gotham when it was still known as Sky Blue FC.
At just 21, fresh out of USC, she carried dreams of winning titles. However, reality hit hard; inconsistency and lackluster performances plagued the team for years.
In their first four seasons, Gotham never placed higher than sixth.
It wasn’t until 2021 that they finally qualified for the playoffs, marking a significant milestone since the league’s inception in 2013.
Over her nine seasons, Freeman has played under six different coaches.
“Starting from Sky Blue back in 2017, it’s been a rollercoaster,” she reflected. “We’ve had some rough seasons along with some really fantastic ones.”
Midfielder Taryn Torres echoed her sentiments.
“In my rookie year [2022], we finished last, had a coaching change mid-season, and faced a lot of challenges,” she recalled.
For Torres, Freeman, and the few veterans left from those tough times, those struggles now feel like a distant memory.
With new ownership and management, Gotham has transformed. Coach Juan Carlos Amoros has turned the team into a reliable contender.
Amoros’s contract was extended until 2029, showcasing the strong trust the ownership has in him.
This decision, made public in April, is aimed at ensuring stability and a respected direction for the franchise.
“The team I came into back then is completely different now,” Freeman noted, acknowledging the player turnover and new leadership. “They’ve shown a genuine appreciation for us and have a clear vision for where the club is headed.” She added, “We’ve always aimed to be at the forefront of women’s sports, and being in New York amplifies that vision. This clarity has really helped shape our identity.”
Gotham’s training facility includes the motto “Always Build, But Never Finish,” a constant reminder of their ongoing pursuit of excellence.
In 2023, the team seemed to hit a turning point, clinching a playoff spot, pulling off unexpected wins, and ultimately securing their first championship.
Last season, they were poised for another strong run.
After finishing third in the regular season, their best showing ever, they faced the Spirit again, who thwarted their hopes of repeating as champions.
Freeman, Torres, and Amoros are among the few from the triumphant 2023 squad.
This current season hasn’t gone perfectly smooth, though.
Injuries led to varying lineups, contributing to some inconsistency in their play.
By season’s end, they slid to eighth in the standings.
However, Amoros is optimistic about the team’s potential.
“There’s a unique magic here, and it’s definitely ours,” he remarked. “We’re focused on controlling what we can to make sure we keep pushing forward.”
