Record crowd sees Kerr return to Gotham FC in New York
Short overview
Sam Kerr made her second debut for Gotham FC before a record crowd of 42,715 at Citi Field, the largest ever for a women's sporting event in New York City. The NWSL match ended 1-0 against Washington Spirit, with Rose Lavelle scoring the winner.
Sam Kerr began her second spell with Gotham FC in front of the largest crowd ever to attend a women's sporting event in New York City. Over 42,000 fans turned out at Citi Field for Gotham's 1-0 victory against Washington Spirit in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).
The official attendance was announced as a sell-out 42,715 at the venue, which is usually home to Major League Baseball's New York Mets. Kerr, who came on as a second-half substitute, previously played for Gotham between 2015 and 2017 when the club was known as Sky Blue FC.
Full-circle moment for Kerr and league
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman highlighted the significance of the occasion. "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," Berman said.
American midfielder Rose Lavelle scored the winning goal in the first half. Gotham's previous best attendance for a game was 15,560 in 2024. The overall NWSL attendance record remains the 63,000 who watched the Denver Summit play the Spirit at the NFL Denver Broncos' home Empower Field last March.
New chapter in Queens
Gotham recently announced they will move from Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey to Etihad Park in Queens, a ground they will share with MLS side New York City FC. The move is intended to make the team more accessible to a broader fan base.
"We know that with investment, if you build it, they will come. And this is a proof point for that," Berman said. "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."
Smoke from wildfires hangs over match
Kerr's return drew a large turnout despite a thick layer of smoke in the air from recent wildfires in Ontario, Canada. The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is scheduled to take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, but soaring temperatures are expected to fall by then, and organisers expect the smoke to clear as well.
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