A Milestone Night in New York
Sam Kerr made a much‑anticipated comeback to the National Women’s Soccer League on Saturday, suiting up for Gotham FC in a 1‑0 victory over the Washington Spirit. The match marked the Australian star’s first NWSL appearance since 2018, sparking excitement among fans and analysts alike.
The game set a new attendance record for any women’s professional sporting event in New York City, with 42,175 spectators filling the stands. That figure eclipsed the previous high of 28,143 set during the 2023 U.S. Open final, underscoring the growing appetite for women’s sports in the region.
Rose Lavelle opened the scoring in the 37th minute, delivering the decisive goal that secured the win for Gotham FC. Kerr nearly added her name to the scoresheet just minutes after entering the game in the 64th minute, but her shot rattled the crossbar.
The star‑studded crowd included Kerr’s wife, midfielder Kristie Mewis, and a host of former U.S. women’s national team players, WNBA legend Sue Bird, and NBA standout Donovan Mitchell. Their presence added a celebrity sheen to an already historic occasion.
Beyond the on‑field drama, Gotham FC announced plans to relocate to a new stadium in Queens beginning in 2028, a move that could further cement the club’s roots in the city’s vibrant sports landscape.