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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2023}}
{{Redirect|Sky Blue FC|the club nicknamed the "Sky Blues"|Sydney FC|the women's team of that club|Sydney FC (women)}}
{{Infobox football club
{{Infobox football club
| clubname = Gotham FC
| clubname = Gotham FC
| image = NJ_NY_Gotham_FC_logo.svg
| image = NJ_NY_Gotham_FC_logo.svg
| upright = 0.77
| upright = 0.77
| alt = Gotham FC crest. The crest is shield-shaped and is black with light blue lettering and accents. The top of the shield is a graphic depiction of the Statue of Liberty's crown. In the centre of the crest are letters which can be read as either "NJ" or "NY", with a line through the "Y" which makes it legible as both a "Y" and a "J".
| alt = Gotham FC crest. The crest is shield-shaped and is black with light blue lettering and accents. The top of the shield is a graphic depiction of the Statue of Liberty's crown. In the centre of the crest are letters which can be read as either "NJ" or "NY", with a line through the "Y" which makes it legible as both a "Y" and a "J".
| fullname = NJ/NY Gotham FC
| fullname = NJ/NY Gotham Football Club
| nickname = The Goths<br/>The Bats<ref>{{Cite instagram |user=gothamfc |title=Go Bats! 🦇🗽 |postid=CqR3J1Mtzfa |date=26 March 2023}}</ref>
| nickname = The Goths<br/>The Bats<ref>{{Cite instagram |user=gothamfc |title=Go Bats! 🦇🗽 |postid=CqR3J1Mtzfa |date=26 March 2023}}</ref>
| founded = {{start date and age|2006}}, as ''Jersey Sky Blue''
| founded = {{start date and age|2006}}, as ''Jersey Sky Blue''
| stadium = [[Red Bull Arena (New Jersey)|Red Bull Arena]]<br>[[Harrison, New Jersey]]
| stadium = [[Sports Illustrated Stadium]]<br>[[Harrison, New Jersey]]
| capacity = 25,000
| capacity = 25,000
| owntitle = Owners
| owntitle = Owners
| owner = [[Phil Murphy|Phil]] and [[Tammy Murphy]]<br>[[Steven H. Temares]]<br>Kristin Bernert<br>[[Eli Manning]]<br>[[Sue Bird]]<br>[[Karen Bryant]]<br>Bobby Cho<br>Ed Nalbandian<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gothamfc.com/ownership|title=Ownership &#124; Gotham FC|website=www.gothamfc.com}}</ref>
| owner = [[Phil Murphy|Phil]] and [[Tammy Murphy]]<br>Carolyn Tisch Blodgett<br>
[[Steven H. Temares]]<br>Kristin Bernert<br>[[Eli Manning]]<br>[[Sue Bird]]<br>[[Karen Bryant]]<br>Bobby Cho<br>Ed Nalbandian<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gothamfc.com/ownership|title=Ownership &#124; Gotham FC|website=www.gothamfc.com}}</ref>
| chrtitle = Chair
| chrtitle = Chair
| chairman = [[Tammy Murphy]]
| chairman = [[Tammy Murphy]]
| mgrtitle = Head coach
| mgrtitle = Head coach
| manager = [[Juan Carlos Amorós]]
| manager = [[Juan Carlos Amorós]]
| league = [[National Women's Soccer League]]
| league = [[National Women's Soccer League]]
| season = [[2023 National Women's Soccer League season|2023]]
| season = [[2024 National Women's Soccer League season|2024]]
| position = 6th of 12: NWSL Champions
| position = Regular season: 3rd of 14<br>Playoffs: Semifinals
| current = 2024 NJ/NY Gotham FC season
| current = 2024 NJ/NY Gotham FC season
| website = https://www.gothamfc.com/
| website = https://www.gothamfc.com/
| American = true
| American = true
| pattern_la1 =
| pattern_la1 =
| pattern_b1 = _goth24h
| pattern_b1 = _goth24h
| pattern_ra1 =
| pattern_ra1 =
| pattern_sh1 =
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| leftarm1 = 121212
| leftarm1 = 121212
| body1 = 121212
| body1 = 121212
| rightarm1 = 121212
| rightarm1 = 121212
| shorts1 = 121212
| shorts1 = 121212
| socks1 = 121212
| socks1 = 121212
| pattern_la2 =
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| pattern_b2 = _nike24diagonal
| pattern_b2 = _nike24diagonal
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| body2 = a9f1f5
| body2 = a9f1f5
| rightarm2 = CBF7F8
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}}
}}
'''NJ/NY Gotham FC''' is a professional [[Women's association football|women's soccer]] team based in [[Harrison, New Jersey|Harrison]], [[New Jersey]]. Founded in 2006 as '''Jersey Sky Blue''', the team was known as '''Sky Blue FC''' from 2008 until 2020. A founding member of the [[National Women's Soccer League]] (NWSL) in 2013, Sky Blue FC also played in the [[Women's Professional Soccer]] (WPS) from 2009 to 2011.
'''NJ/NY Gotham Football Club''' is an American professional [[Women's association football|women's soccer]] team based in the [[New York metropolitan area]] that competes in the [[National Women's Soccer League]] (NWSL). Founded in 2006 as '''Jersey Sky Blue''', the team was known as '''Sky Blue FC''' from 2008 until 2020. A founding member of the NWSL in 2013, Sky Blue FC also played in [[Women's Professional Soccer]] (WPS) from 2009 to 2011.


==History==
==History==
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Following the growth of [[women's soccer in the United States]] in the 1990s, the first attempt at a fully professional women's league, the [[Women's United Soccer Association]] (WUSA), was founded in 2000.<ref name=soccerpol>{{cite web|url=https://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/research-projects/womens-soccer-in-the-u-s/womens-soccer-after-1999/womens-united-soccer-assocation/|title=Women's United Soccer Association|website=Soccer Politics|last1=Miller|first1=Gretchen|last2=Scheyer|first2=Jonathan|last3=Sherrard|first3=Emily|date=December 6, 2009 |access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref> However, after playing just three seasons the WUSA folded in 2003.<ref name=soccerpol/> Almost immediately following the folding of the WUSA, attempts were made to relaunch the league, although each of these initially came to naught. Finally, in December 2006, an agreement was reached to establish a new professional women's league, consisting of teams from Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., as well as an undetermined sixth city located somewhere in the [[Western United States]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2007/02/26/daily25.html|title=Cooper invests in women's pro soccer|date=February 28, 2007|work=St. Louis Business Journal|last=Lefton|first=Terry|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref> Originally planned to begin play in 2008, the launch of this new league, dubbed [[Women's Professional Soccer]] (WPS), was subsequently pushed back to 2009.<ref name=WSII>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsii.org/wsii/2007/09/womens-professi.html|title=Women's Professional Soccer League to Launch in 2009|date=September 4, 2007|website=Women's Soccer Initiative, Inc.|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref> Boston and the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area were also selected to host clubs to participate in the inaugural WPS season.<ref name=WSII/>
Following the growth of [[women's soccer in the United States]] in the 1990s, the first attempt at a fully professional women's league, the [[Women's United Soccer Association]] (WUSA), was founded in 2000.<ref name=soccerpol>{{cite web|url=https://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/research-projects/womens-soccer-in-the-u-s/womens-soccer-after-1999/womens-united-soccer-assocation/|title=Women's United Soccer Association|website=Soccer Politics|last1=Miller|first1=Gretchen|last2=Scheyer|first2=Jonathan|last3=Sherrard|first3=Emily|date=December 6, 2009 |access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref> However, after playing just three seasons the WUSA folded in 2003.<ref name=soccerpol/> Almost immediately following the folding of the WUSA, attempts were made to relaunch the league, although each of these initially came to naught. Finally, in December 2006, an agreement was reached to establish a new professional women's league, consisting of teams from Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., as well as an undetermined sixth city located somewhere in the [[Western United States]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2007/02/26/daily25.html|title=Cooper invests in women's pro soccer|date=February 28, 2007|work=St. Louis Business Journal|last=Lefton|first=Terry|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref> Originally planned to begin play in 2008, the launch of this new league, dubbed [[Women's Professional Soccer]] (WPS), was subsequently pushed back to 2009.<ref name=WSII>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsii.org/wsii/2007/09/womens-professi.html|title=Women's Professional Soccer League to Launch in 2009|date=September 4, 2007|website=Women's Soccer Initiative, Inc.|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref> Boston and the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area were also selected to host clubs to participate in the inaugural WPS season.<ref name=WSII/>


Sky Blue FC was originally founded in 2006 as Jersey Sky Blue, playing in the [[USL W-League (1995–2015)|USL W-League]] in 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/about-us/|title=ABOUT US|website=skybluefc.com|access-date=February 4, 2021|archive-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304174942/https://skybluefc.com/about-us/|url-status=dead}}</ref> a [[semi-professional sports|semi-professional]] league that served as part of the [[United States soccer league system|second division]] of women's soccer in the United States. Future [[Governor of New Jersey]] [[Phil Murphy]] and his wife [[Tammy Murphy]] were co-founders of the team,<ref name=ROINJ>{{cite web|url=https://www.roi-nj.com/2020/03/05/lifestyle/tammy-murphy-sky-blue-fcs-new-women-leaders-are-rebuilding-n-j-soccer-team-for-success/|title=Tammy Murphy, Sky Blue FC's new women leaders are rebuilding N.J. soccer team for success|website=ROI-NJ.com|last=Fry|first=Meg|date=March 5, 2020|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref> alongside businessman [[Steven H. Temares]], Francesco Prandoni<ref name=Prandoni>{{cite press release |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/nj-ny-professional-womens-soccer-team-gets-a-name-sky-blue-fc/n-3715990 |title=NJ/NY Professional Women's Soccer Team Gets a Name: Sky Blue FC |date=September 9, 2008 |access-date=February 4, 2021 |work=OurSportsCentral |publisher=Sky Blue FC}}</ref> and Thomas Hofstetter.<ref name=Hofstetter>{{cite web|url=https://thomashofstetter.com/about/|title=About|website=thomashofstetter.com|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref> The Murphys would later claim that their motivation in founding the club was as an example to their daughter, in order to prove that there was a viable pathway for women in the United States to play professional soccer.<ref name=ROINJ/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.thinkprogress.org/phil-murphy-womens-soccer-535a57130d0f/|title=NJ governor bought a women's soccer team to inspire his daughter, but ran it into the ground|last=Gibbs|first=Lindsay|date=July 30, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2021|work=ThinkProgress}}</ref> By September 2007, the club had been selected to fulfill the New York/New Jersey slot in Women's Professional Soccer and rebranded as Sky Blue FC.<ref name=WSII/> Following this move, the Jersey Sky Blue name initially remained in use for a [[farm team|feeder team]] in the W-League, although it later rebranded as the [[Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues]]. Co-founder Thomas Hofstetter, who served as president of Sky Blue FC until 2013, also served as chairman of the feeder team until their folding in 2010.<ref name=Hofstetter/> As of 2018, Phil Murphy was a majority shareholder of the team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/politics/2018/07/murphy_orders_that_players_on_the_pro_soccer_club_he_owns_be_treated_like_pros.html|title=Murphy orders that players on the pro soccer club he owns be treated like pros|first=Brent Johnson &#124; NJ Advance Media for|last=NJ.com|date=July 19, 2018|website=nj}}</ref>
Sky Blue FC was originally founded in 2006 as Jersey Sky Blue, playing in the [[USL W-League (1995–2015)|USL W-League]] in 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/about-us/|title=ABOUT US|website=skybluefc.com|access-date=February 4, 2021|archive-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304174942/https://skybluefc.com/about-us/|url-status=dead}}</ref> a [[semi-professional sports|semi-professional]] league that served as part of the [[United States soccer league system|second division]] of women's soccer in the United States. Future [[governor of New Jersey]] [[Phil Murphy]] and his wife [[Tammy Murphy]] were co-founders of the team,<ref name=ROINJ>{{cite web|url=https://www.roi-nj.com/2020/03/05/lifestyle/tammy-murphy-sky-blue-fcs-new-women-leaders-are-rebuilding-n-j-soccer-team-for-success/|title=Tammy Murphy, Sky Blue FC's new women leaders are rebuilding N.J. soccer team for success|website=ROI-NJ.com|last=Fry|first=Meg|date=March 5, 2020|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref> alongside businessman [[Steven H. Temares]], Francesco Prandoni<ref name=Prandoni>{{cite press release |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/nj-ny-professional-womens-soccer-team-gets-a-name-sky-blue-fc/n-3715990 |title=NJ/NY Professional Women's Soccer Team Gets a Name: Sky Blue FC |date=September 9, 2008 |access-date=February 4, 2021 |work=OurSportsCentral |publisher=Sky Blue FC}}</ref> and Thomas Hofstetter.<ref name=Hofstetter>{{cite web|url=https://thomashofstetter.com/about/|title=About|website=thomashofstetter.com|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref> The Murphys would later claim that their motivation in founding the club was as an example to their daughter, in order to prove that there was a viable pathway for women in the United States to play professional soccer.<ref name=ROINJ/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.thinkprogress.org/phil-murphy-womens-soccer-535a57130d0f/|title=NJ governor bought a women's soccer team to inspire his daughter, but ran it into the ground|last=Gibbs|first=Lindsay|date=July 30, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2021|work=ThinkProgress}}</ref> By September 2007, the club had been selected to fulfill the New York/New Jersey slot in Women's Professional Soccer and rebranded as Sky Blue FC.<ref name=WSII/> Following this move, the Jersey Sky Blue name initially remained in use for a [[farm team|feeder team]] in the W-League, although it later rebranded as the [[Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues]]. Co-founder Thomas Hofstetter, who served as president of Sky Blue FC until 2013, also served as chairman of the feeder team until their folding in 2010.<ref name=Hofstetter/> As of 2018, Phil Murphy was a majority shareholder of the team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/politics/2018/07/murphy_orders_that_players_on_the_pro_soccer_club_he_owns_be_treated_like_pros.html|title=Murphy orders that players on the pro soccer club he owns be treated like pros|first=Brent Johnson &#124; NJ Advance Media for|last=NJ.com|date=July 19, 2018|website=nj}}</ref>


Sky Blue FC named [[Ian Sawyers]] as its first head coach and general manager on March 5, 2008. However, it was not until September 9, 2008 that the New York/New Jersey outfit was officially unveiled under the name Sky Blue FC. One week later, the [[United States women's national soccer team|U.S. Women's National Team]] allocation took place with [[Heather O'Reilly]], [[Natasha Kai]], and [[Christie Pearce]] allocated to Sky Blue FC.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2008/09/wps_allocation_list.html | newspaper=The Washington Post | title=WPS Allocation List | access-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref>
Sky Blue FC named [[Ian Sawyers]] as its first head coach and general manager on March 5, 2008. However, it was not until September 9, 2008, that the New York/New Jersey outfit was officially unveiled under the name Sky Blue FC. One week later, the [[United States women's national soccer team|U.S. women's national team]] allocation took place with [[Heather O'Reilly]], [[Natasha Kai]], and [[Christie Pearce]] allocated to Sky Blue FC.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2008/09/wps_allocation_list.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519105225/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2008/09/wps_allocation_list.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=May 19, 2011 | newspaper=The Washington Post | title=WPS Allocation List | access-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref>


On September 24, the [[2008 WPS International Draft]] was held. Sky Blue FC drafted [[Australia women's national soccer team|Australian National Team]] forward [[Sarah Walsh]] in the first round, [[Brazil women's national football team|Brazilian National Team]] members [[Rosana dos Santos Augusto|Rosana]] and [[Ester Aparecida dos Santos|Ester]] in the second and third rounds respectively, finished with [[Canada women's national soccer team|Canadian National Team]] midfielder [[Kelly Parker]] in the fourth round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.womensprosoccer.com/newsitem_ektid5106.aspx |title=Women's Professional Soccer - home of pro soccer players :: News Detail :: WPS holds Initial International Draft |access-date=October 21, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028155955/http://www.womensprosoccer.com/newsitem_ektid5106.aspx |archive-date=October 28, 2008 }}</ref> In addition to these picks, Sky Blue FC also named [[Australia women's national soccer team|Australian National Team]] midfielder [[Collette McCallum]] and [[England women's national football team|England National Team]] defender [[Anita Asante]] as post-draft discovery players on September 26, 2008 and October 2, 2008 respectively, and were awarded their WPS playing rights.
On September 24, the [[2008 WPS International Draft]] was held. Sky Blue FC drafted [[Australia women's national soccer team|Australia national team]] forward [[Sarah Walsh]] in the first round, [[Brazil women's national football team|Brazil national team]] members [[Rosana dos Santos Augusto|Rosana]] and [[Ester Aparecida dos Santos|Ester]] in the second and third rounds respectively, finished with [[Canada women's national soccer team|Canada national team]] midfielder [[Kelly Parker]] in the fourth round.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.womensprosoccer.com/newsitem_ektid5106.aspx |title=Women's Professional Soccer - home of pro soccer players :: News Detail :: WPS holds Initial International Draft |access-date=October 21, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028155955/http://www.womensprosoccer.com/newsitem_ektid5106.aspx |archive-date=October 28, 2008 }}</ref> In addition to these picks, Sky Blue FC also named Australia national team midfielder [[Collette McCallum]] and [[England women's national football team|England national team]] defender [[Anita Asante]] as post-draft discovery players on September 26, 2008, and October 2, 2008, respectively, and were awarded their WPS playing rights.


To further assign player rights, on October 6 the [[2008 WPS General Draft]] took place. Sky Blue FC drafted [[Cori Alexander]], [[Keeley Dowling]], [[Kacey White]], and Jenny Hammond.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/282649.html |title=United Soccer Leagues (USL) |access-date=October 17, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203124904/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/282649.html |archive-date=February 3, 2012 }}</ref> Ian Sawyers closed out 2008 by choosing [[Kelly Lindsey]] to be his assistant coach on December 3.
To further assign player rights, on October 6 the [[2008 WPS General Draft]] took place. Sky Blue FC drafted [[Cori Alexander]], [[Keeley Dowling]], [[Kacey White]], and Jenny Hammond.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/282649.html |title=United Soccer Leagues (USL) |access-date=October 17, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203124904/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/282649.html |archive-date=February 3, 2012 }}</ref> Ian Sawyers closed out 2008 by choosing [[Kelly Lindsey]] to be his assistant coach on December 3.


The new year brought new players. On January 16, the [[2009 WPS Draft]] was held. Sky Blue FC drafted [[Yael Averbuch]], [[Meghan Schnur]], [[Karen Bardsley]], [[Christie Shaner]], [[Julianne Sitch]], [[Jen Buczkowski]], [[Zhang Ouying]], [[Mary Therese McDonnell]], [[Mele French]], and Fanta Cooper.<ref>http://www.womensprosoccer.com/newsitem_ektid7750.aspx{{dead link|date=May 2017}}</ref>
The new year brought new players. On January 16, the [[2009 WPS Draft]] was held. Sky Blue FC drafted [[Yael Averbuch]], [[Meghan Schnur]], [[Karen Bardsley]], [[Christie Shaner]], [[Julianne Sitch]], [[Jen Buczkowski]], [[Zhang Ouying]], [[Mary Therese McDonnell]], [[Mele French]], and Fanta Cooper.<ref>http://www.womensprosoccer.com/newsitem_ektid7750.aspx{{dead link|date=May 2017}}</ref>


===2008–2020: Sky Blue FC===
===2008–2020: Sky Blue FC===
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=====Unlikely champions, 2009=====
=====Unlikely champions, 2009=====
{{main|2009 Sky Blue FC season}}
{{main|2009 Sky Blue FC season}}
Sky Blue FC kicked off its inaugural season on April 5, 2009 dropping a 2–0 decision to [[Los Angeles Sol]] at [[TD Bank Ballpark]] in [[Bridgewater Township, New Jersey|Bridgewater Township]], [[New Jersey]]. It played its next game at the venue before moving permanently to [[Yurcak Field]] on the campus of [[Rutgers University]].
Sky Blue FC kicked off its inaugural season on April 5, 2009, dropping a 2–0 decision to [[Los Angeles Sol]] at [[TD Bank Ballpark]] in [[Bridgewater Township, New Jersey|Bridgewater Township]], [[New Jersey]]. It played its next game at the venue before moving permanently to [[Yurcak Field]] on the campus of [[Rutgers University]].


[[Image:Blue Sky 2009.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Sky Blue FC battle in St. Louis during the 2009 postseason]]
[[Image:Blue Sky 2009.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Sky Blue FC battle in St. Louis during the 2009 postseason]]


The team stuttered to one win and two draws in their first six games, scoring only 3 goals in the process, before head coach and general manager [[Ian Sawyers]] was suspended indefinitely by the team for disagreements on May 23, 2009. He was eventually relieved of his duties as head coach and general manager on May 28, 2009. In his absence, [[Kelly Lindsey]] stepped in as the [[caretaker manager|interim]] and slowly started to turn around Sky Blue FC's on-field fortunes. She was eventually permanently installed as head coach on June 19, 2009 by then General Manager Gerry Marrone.
The team stuttered to one win and two draws in their first six games, scoring only 3 goals in the process, before head coach and general manager [[Ian Sawyers]] was suspended indefinitely by the team for disagreements on May 23, 2009. He was eventually relieved of his duties as head coach and general manager on May 28, 2009. In his absence, [[Kelly Lindsey]] stepped in as the [[caretaker manager|interim]] and slowly started to turn around Sky Blue FC's on-field fortunes. She was eventually permanently installed as head coach on June 19, 2009, by then General Manager Gerry Marrone.


Lindsey's time at the helm was short-lived as she abruptly resigned from her position on July 30, 2009. She had won five games and drawn three others in her twelve total matches before [[Christie Pearce]] was named the second [[caretaker manager|interim]] of the year and third head coach overall by Marrone. Her position also included playing on the field and was the first player/manager in WPS history. Rampone lead Sky Blue FC into 4th position and secured the final playoff spot for the [[2009 Women's Professional Soccer Playoffs|2009 playoffs]]. Sky Blue FC upended both [[Washington Freedom (soccer)|Washington Freedom]] and [[Saint Louis Athletica]] to make the championship game against Los Angeles Sol. A 16th minute [[Heather O'Reilly]] strike earned Sky Blue FC the championship on August 22, 2009, beating the Sol on their own home field of [[The Home Depot Center]] in [[Carson, California|Carson]], [[California]].
Lindsey's time at the helm was short-lived as she abruptly resigned from her position on July 30, 2009. She had won five games and drawn three others in her twelve total matches before [[Christie Pearce|Christie Rampone]] was named the second [[caretaker manager|interim]] of the year and third head coach overall by Marrone. Her position also included playing on the field and she was the first player/manager in WPS history. Rampone led Sky Blue FC into 4th position and secured the final playoff spot for the [[2009 Women's Professional Soccer Playoffs|2009 playoffs]]. Sky Blue FC upended both [[Washington Freedom (soccer)|Washington Freedom]] and [[Saint Louis Athletica]] to make the championship game against Los Angeles Sol. A 16th minute [[Heather O'Reilly]] strike earned Sky Blue FC the championship on August 22, 2009, beating the Sol on their own home field of [[The Home Depot Center]] in [[Carson, California|Carson]], [[California]].
[[Image:Sky Blue FC at the White House 2010-07-01 8.jpg|thumb|right|250px|President Obama welcomed Sky Blue to the White House following their championship season.]]
[[Image:Sky Blue FC at the White House 2010-07-01 8.jpg|thumb|right|250px|President Obama welcomed Sky Blue to the White House following their championship season.]]
Sky Blue's victory was seen as an upset,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/241208-sky-blue-fc-upsets-sol-to-claim-2009-wps-championship|title=Sky Blue FC Upsets Sol to Claim 2009 WPS Championship|last=Civin|first=Todd|work=Bleacher Report|date=August 23, 2009|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> and later described as "an all-time underdog story."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allforxi.com/2020/5/19/21262531/sky-blue-fc-surprise-wps-champions-2009-underdog-rise|title=Sky Blue FC's surprise 2009 championship run is an all-time underdog story|last=McCauley|first=Kim|website=AllForXI.com|date=May 19, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> Sky Blue were later invited to the [[White House]], where President [[Barack Obama]] hailed their success in the inaugural WPS season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nj.com/soccer-news/2010/07/sky_blue_fc_honored_by_preside.html|title=Sky Blue FC honored by President Obama at White House|work=[[NJ.com]]|date=July 2, 2010|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref>
Sky Blue's victory was seen as an upset,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/241208-sky-blue-fc-upsets-sol-to-claim-2009-wps-championship|title=Sky Blue FC Upsets Sol to Claim 2009 WPS Championship|last=Civin|first=Todd|work=Bleacher Report|date=August 23, 2009|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> and later described as "an all-time underdog story."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allforxi.com/2020/5/19/21262531/sky-blue-fc-surprise-wps-champions-2009-underdog-rise|title=Sky Blue FC's surprise 2009 championship run is an all-time underdog story|last=McCauley|first=Kim|website=AllForXI.com|date=May 19, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> Sky Blue were later invited to the [[White House]], where President [[Barack Obama]] hailed their success in the inaugural WPS season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nj.com/soccer-news/2010/07/sky_blue_fc_honored_by_preside.html|title=Sky Blue FC honored by President Obama at White House|work=[[NJ.com]]|date=July 2, 2010|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref>
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With two additional teams, [[Atlanta Beat (WPS)|Atlanta Beat]] and [[Philadelphia Independence]], joining the league for 2010, Sky Blue FC were destined to lose players from their championship-winning side. On September 15, the [[2009 WPS Expansion Draft]] was held with [[Jen Buczkowski]] moving to Philadelphia and [[Noelle Keselica]] headed to Atlanta.
With two additional teams, [[Atlanta Beat (WPS)|Atlanta Beat]] and [[Philadelphia Independence]], joining the league for 2010, Sky Blue FC were destined to lose players from their championship-winning side. On September 15, the [[2009 WPS Expansion Draft]] was held with [[Jen Buczkowski]] moving to Philadelphia and [[Noelle Keselica]] headed to Atlanta.


Sky Blue FC announced on September 29, 2009 that former [[Finland women's national football team|Finnish National Team]] player [[Pauliina Miettinen]] would be head coach of the team for the 2010 season after completing her coaching duties with [[PK-35 Vantaa (women)|PK-35 Vantaa]].
Sky Blue FC announced on September 29, 2009, that former [[Finland women's national football team|Finnish National Team]] player [[Pauliina Miettinen]] would be head coach of the team for the 2010 season after completing her coaching duties with [[PK-35 Vantaa (women)|PK-35 Vantaa]].


Sky Blue FC started its title defense on April 11, 2010 when it hosted the Chicago Red Stars at Yurcak Field. The team wasted little time in gaining its first goal on the young season, with forward Tasha Kai scoring on a fourth-minute strike to lead her team to an eventual 1–0 victory. Sky Blue FC found itself having some trouble tallying goals as the season progressed and held a 5–6–3 record when head coach Pauliina Miettinen was relieved of her duties. Immediately replacing her was assistant coach Rick Stainton, who led the team to a 2–4–4 record the rest of the way. After settling for three draws to conclude its sophomore campaign, Sky Blue FC finished the year in fifth place in the regular season standings and just missed the postseason.
Sky Blue FC started its title defense on April 11, 2010, when it hosted the Chicago Red Stars at Yurcak Field. The team wasted little time in gaining its first goal on the young season, with forward Tasha Kai scoring on a fourth-minute strike to lead her team to an eventual 1–0 victory. Sky Blue FC found itself having some trouble tallying goals as the season progressed and held a 5–6–3 record when head coach Pauliina Miettinen was relieved of her duties. Immediately replacing her was assistant coach Rick Stainton, who led the team to a 2–4–4 record the rest of the way. After settling for three draws to conclude its sophomore campaign, Sky Blue FC finished the year in fifth place in the regular season standings and just missed the postseason.


The 2011 season marked the first at the helm by decorated women's soccer coach Jim Gabarra, who had spent the past decade with the Washington Freedom. Prior to the start of the regular season, Sky Blue FC headed to Turkey for the preseason, playing to the finals of the Alanya International Women's Tournament of Champions, where it fell to team partner LdB FC Malmö, 1–0. Also participating in the tournament were Russian side FK Energiya and Danish club Fortuna Hjørring (who Sky Blue FC defeated in a penalty shootout in the semifinals).
The 2011 season marked the first at the helm by decorated women's soccer coach Jim Gabarra, who had spent the past decade with the Washington Freedom. Prior to the start of the regular season, Sky Blue FC headed to Turkey for the preseason, playing to the finals of the Alanya International Women's Tournament of Champions, where it fell to team partner LdB FC Malmö, 1–0. Also participating in the tournament were Russian side FK Energiya and Danish club Fortuna Hjørring (who Sky Blue FC defeated in a penalty shootout in the semifinals).


Sky Blue FC kicked off the WPS regular season on April 10, 2011 at Yurcak Field, playing the [[Philadelphia Independence]] to a 2–2 draw. The team then hit the road for three games, suffering three consecutive defeats, before returning home for a pair of wins. After two more draws and another victory, Sky Blue FC found itself amid the longest unbeaten streak in franchise history (five matches). The team kicked off that streak on May 21, 2011 with a 3–0 win over the Atlanta Beat, its then-largest margin of victory.
Sky Blue FC kicked off the WPS regular season on April 10, 2011, at Yurcak Field, playing the [[Philadelphia Independence]] to a 2–2 draw. The team then hit the road for three games, suffering three consecutive defeats, before returning home for a pair of wins. After two more draws and another victory, Sky Blue FC found itself amid the longest unbeaten streak in franchise history (five matches). The team kicked off that streak on May 21, 2011, with a 3–0 win over the Atlanta Beat, its then-largest margin of victory.


The club went 1–2 in its next three games before entering the final four matches of the regular season. After suffering defeats in each of those games, Sky Blue FC came up just short of the playoffs after finishing even with the Boston Breakers for the final postseason spot (Boston took the season tiebreaker).
The club went 1–2 in its next three games before entering the final four matches of the regular season. After suffering defeats in each of those games, Sky Blue FC came up just short of the playoffs after finishing even with the Boston Breakers for the final postseason spot (Boston took the season tiebreaker).
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In November 2012, it was announced that Sky Blue FC would be one of eight teams in a new women's professional soccer league sponsored by the [[United States Soccer Federation]], the [[Canadian Soccer Association]] and the [[Mexican Football Federation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://equalizersoccer.com/2012/11/21/eight-teams-to-start-new-womens-pro-soccer-league-in-2013/|title=Equalizer Soccer – Eight teams to start new women's pro soccer league in 2013|date=November 21, 2012 |access-date=May 13, 2017}}</ref> The league, known as the [[National Women's Soccer League]], began play in spring 2013.
In November 2012, it was announced that Sky Blue FC would be one of eight teams in a new women's professional soccer league sponsored by the [[United States Soccer Federation]], the [[Canadian Soccer Association]] and the [[Mexican Football Federation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://equalizersoccer.com/2012/11/21/eight-teams-to-start-new-womens-pro-soccer-league-in-2013/|title=Equalizer Soccer – Eight teams to start new women's pro soccer league in 2013|date=November 21, 2012 |access-date=May 13, 2017}}</ref> The league, known as the [[National Women's Soccer League]], began play in spring 2013.
[[Image:2013-04-27 Spirit - Sky Blue-25.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Sky Blue FC's lineup before a game against the [[Washington Spirit]] during the [[2013 Sky Blue FC season|2013]] season.]]
[[Image:2013-04-27 Spirit - Sky Blue-25.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Sky Blue FC's lineup before a game against the [[Washington Spirit]] during the [[2013 Sky Blue FC season|2013]] season.]]
For the 2013 season, Sky Blue were allocated seven players from North American federations, including [[Kelley O'Hara]], [[Jillian Loyden]], [[Christie Pearce|Christie Rampone]], and [[Sophie Schmidt]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2013/01/11/sky-blue-fc-allocated-seven-national-team-players/|title=Sky Blue FC Allocated Seven National Team Players|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=January 11, 2013|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> On May 19, the club recorded their third consecutive victory and their fifth overall, marking the club's best-ever start to a season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2013/05/19/sky-blue-fc-gets-offensive-in-3rd-straight-win/|title=Sky Blue FC Gets Offensive in 3rd Straight Win|date=May 19, 2013|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> On June 1, 2013, the team extended their run of consecutive victories to five with a 5–1 win over the [[Boston Breakers]] at [[Yurcak Field]]. In so doing, Sky Blue became the first team to score five goals in a single match in the nascent National Women's Soccer League.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/6/6/4387700/sky-blue-fc-vs-boston-breakers-final-score-result|title=Sky Blue FC vs Boston Breakers: Final Score 5-1, De Vanna Bicycle kick takes the cake|date=June 6, 2013|access-date=August 4, 2020|work=SB Nation|last=Drot|first=Kareen}}</ref> The team's form later slumped in the second half of the regular season, though Sky Blue ultimately finished in 4th place, earning a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2013/08/23/western-new-york-flash-nwsl-semifinal-preview-sky-blue-fc-abby-wambach/|title=Clean slate of playoffs welcomed by Sky Blue FC|last=Kassouf|first=Jeff|work=The Equalizer|date=August 23, 2013|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> Sky Blue were later eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, suffering a 2–0 defeat to the [[Western New York Flash]].
For the 2013 season, Sky Blue were allocated seven players from North American federations, including [[Kelley O'Hara]], [[Jillian Loyden]], [[Christie Pearce|Christie Rampone]], and [[Sophie Schmidt]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2013/01/11/sky-blue-fc-allocated-seven-national-team-players/|title=Sky Blue FC Allocated Seven National Team Players|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=January 11, 2013|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728042555/https://skybluefc.com/2013/01/11/sky-blue-fc-allocated-seven-national-team-players/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On May 19, the club recorded their third consecutive victory and their fifth overall, marking the club's best-ever start to a season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2013/05/19/sky-blue-fc-gets-offensive-in-3rd-straight-win/|title=Sky Blue FC Gets Offensive in 3rd Straight Win|date=May 19, 2013|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728064616/https://skybluefc.com/2013/05/19/sky-blue-fc-gets-offensive-in-3rd-straight-win/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On June 1, 2013, the team extended their run of consecutive victories to five with a 5–1 win over the [[Boston Breakers]] at [[Yurcak Field]]. In so doing, Sky Blue became the first team to score five goals in a single match in the nascent National Women's Soccer League.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/6/6/4387700/sky-blue-fc-vs-boston-breakers-final-score-result|title=Sky Blue FC vs Boston Breakers: Final Score 5-1, De Vanna Bicycle kick takes the cake|date=June 6, 2013|access-date=August 4, 2020|work=SB Nation|last=Drot|first=Kareen}}</ref> The team's form later slumped in the second half of the regular season, though Sky Blue ultimately finished in 4th place, earning a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2013/08/23/western-new-york-flash-nwsl-semifinal-preview-sky-blue-fc-abby-wambach/|title=Clean slate of playoffs welcomed by Sky Blue FC|last=Kassouf|first=Jeff|work=The Equalizer|date=August 23, 2013|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> Sky Blue were later eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, suffering a 2–0 defeat to the [[Western New York Flash]].


The following season, Sky Blue failed to win any of their opening four matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2014/05/02/sky-blue-fc-in-search-of-first-win-of-the-season-on-may-3/|title=Sky Blue FC in Search of First Win of the Season on May 3|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=May 2, 2014|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> After defeating the Boston Breakers on May 3, Sky Blue again went on a winless streak until June 25, when they secured a 2–1 victory over the [[Portland Thorns FC|Portland Thorns]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.empireofsoccer.com/cutshall-header-portland-26891/|title=Cutshall Header Leads Sky Blue FC Past Portland|date=June 25, 2014|access-date=July 27, 2020|work=Empire of Soccer}}</ref> The 2014 season ended with a five-game win streak,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2014/08/20/sky-blue-fc-ends-2014-season-with-five-match-winning-streak/|title=Sky Blue FC Ends 2014 Season with Five-Match Winning Streak|date=August 20, 2014|publisher=Sky Blue FC|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> though this proved insufficient to overcome earlier poor form and Sky Blue finished the season in 6th place, failing to qualify for the playoffs.
The following season, Sky Blue failed to win any of their opening four matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2014/05/02/sky-blue-fc-in-search-of-first-win-of-the-season-on-may-3/|title=Sky Blue FC in Search of First Win of the Season on May 3|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=May 2, 2014|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728042557/https://skybluefc.com/2014/05/02/sky-blue-fc-in-search-of-first-win-of-the-season-on-may-3/|url-status=dead}}</ref> After defeating the Boston Breakers on May 3, Sky Blue again went on a winless streak until June 25, when they secured a 2–1 victory over the [[Portland Thorns FC|Portland Thorns]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.empireofsoccer.com/cutshall-header-portland-26891/|title=Cutshall Header Leads Sky Blue FC Past Portland|date=June 25, 2014|access-date=July 27, 2020|work=Empire of Soccer}}</ref> The 2014 season ended with a five-game win streak,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2014/08/20/sky-blue-fc-ends-2014-season-with-five-match-winning-streak/|title=Sky Blue FC Ends 2014 Season with Five-Match Winning Streak|date=August 20, 2014|publisher=Sky Blue FC|access-date=July 27, 2020}}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> though this proved insufficient to overcome earlier poor form and Sky Blue finished the season in 6th place, failing to qualify for the playoffs.


The 2015 season was similarly marred by poor form. After winning their opening match of the season, Sky Blue went on a winless streak until July 11. The game marked the debut for [[Australia women's national soccer team|Australian]] international [[Sam Kerr]], who scored the winning goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2015/07/11/sam-kerr-goal-sky-blue-fc-beats-portland-thorns-ends-10-game-winless-streak/|title=Kerr's debut delivers Sky Blue first win since April|author=The Equalizer Staff|work=The Equalizer|date=July 11, 2015|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> Sky Blue ultimately finished the season in 8th place, having won only five games out of 20, and once more failing to qualify for the playoffs.
The 2015 season was similarly marred by poor form. After winning their opening match of the season, Sky Blue went on a winless streak until July 11. The game marked the debut for [[Australia women's national soccer team|Australian]] international [[Sam Kerr]], who scored the winning goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2015/07/11/sam-kerr-goal-sky-blue-fc-beats-portland-thorns-ends-10-game-winless-streak/|title=Kerr's debut delivers Sky Blue first win since April|author=The Equalizer Staff|work=The Equalizer|date=July 11, 2015|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> Sky Blue ultimately finished the season in 8th place, having won only five games out of 20, and once more failing to qualify for the playoffs.
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=====Christy Holly era, 2016–2017=====
=====Christy Holly era, 2016–2017=====
{{main|2016 Sky Blue FC season||2017 Sky Blue FC season}}
{{main|2016 Sky Blue FC season||2017 Sky Blue FC season}}
Sky Blue FC opened its 2016 season at Seattle Reign in thrilling fashion on Sunday, April 17, 2016, winning 2–1 and handing two-time defending [[NWSL Shield]] winner its first-ever home loss at Memorial Stadium. The Reign were unbeaten at Memorial Stadium over the previous two seasons<ref>{{cite web|url=https://goalwashington.wordpress.com/2016/04/17/reign-falls-for-first-time-at-memorial-stadium/|title=Reign falls for first time at Memorial Stadium|date=April 18, 2016|access-date=May 13, 2017}}</ref> Sky Blue FC started six players who had never logged a single NWSL minute before that night.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.empireofsoccer.com/conheeneys-late-goal-give-sky-blue-holly-2-1-opening-night-victory-47085//|title=Conheeney's late goal give Sky Blue, Holly 2–1 opening night victory|website=Empire of Soccer|access-date=May 13, 2017}}</ref> By the end of the season they had racked up with 26 points in 7th place. Playing twenty games this season, they ended up with seven wins, eight losses, and five draws. They scored 24 goals and had 30 against them.<ref>{{cite web|title=Current Standings|url=http://nwslsoccer.com/standings-1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416035601/http://www.nwslsoccer.com/standings-1|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 16, 2016|website=nwslsoccer.com|publisher=[[National Women's Soccer League]]|access-date=October 1, 2016}}</ref> Sky Blue midfielder [[Raquel Rodríguez]] was named [[NWSL awards|2016 NWSL Rookie of the Year]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2016/10/3/13146846/sky-blue-raquel-rodriguez-nwsl-rookie-of-the-year-sky-blue-fc-emily-sonnett-rachel-daly-costa-rica|title=Sky Blue FC's Raquel Rodriguez named NWSL Rookie of the Year|access-date=March 28, 2019|date=October 6, 2016}}</ref>
Sky Blue FC opened its 2016 season at Seattle Reign in thrilling fashion on Sunday, April 17, 2016, winning 2–1 and handing two-time defending [[NWSL Shield]] winner its first-ever home loss at Memorial Stadium. The Reign were unbeaten at Memorial Stadium over the previous two seasons<ref>{{cite web|url=https://goalwashington.wordpress.com/2016/04/17/reign-falls-for-first-time-at-memorial-stadium/|title=Reign falls for first time at Memorial Stadium|date=April 18, 2016|access-date=May 13, 2017}}</ref> Sky Blue FC started six players who had never logged a single NWSL minute before that night.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.empireofsoccer.com/conheeneys-late-goal-give-sky-blue-holly-2-1-opening-night-victory-47085//|title=Conheeney's late goal give Sky Blue, Holly 2–1 opening night victory|website=Empire of Soccer|date=June 2003 |access-date=May 13, 2017}}</ref> By the end of the season they had racked up with 26 points in 7th place. Playing twenty games this season, they ended up with seven wins, eight losses, and five draws. They scored 24 goals and had 30 against them.<ref>{{cite web|title=Current Standings|url=http://nwslsoccer.com/standings-1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416035601/http://www.nwslsoccer.com/standings-1|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 16, 2016|website=nwslsoccer.com|publisher=[[National Women's Soccer League]]|access-date=October 1, 2016}}</ref> Sky Blue midfielder [[Raquel Rodríguez]] was named [[NWSL Rookie of the Year|2016 NWSL Rookie of the Year]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2016/10/3/13146846/sky-blue-raquel-rodriguez-nwsl-rookie-of-the-year-sky-blue-fc-emily-sonnett-rachel-daly-costa-rica|title=Sky Blue FC's Raquel Rodriguez named NWSL Rookie of the Year|access-date=March 28, 2019|date=October 6, 2016}}</ref>


After beginning with a 1–1 draw against [[OL Reign|Seattle Reign]], the 2017 season got off to an uneven start. Sky Blue recorded alternating wins and losses in their next four games. Over the opening 18 matches of the season, Sky Blue recorded only two draws, compared to 7 wins and 9 defeats. Despite these results, Sky Blue were in 3rd place as late as July 15. Ultimately, in 2017, Sky Blue had its most successful season since 2014. They finished in sixth place, but were in playoff contention until mid September.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2017/9/16/16319588/sky-blue-fc-eliminated-from-nwsl-playoffs-with-2-1-loss-to-washington-spirit-kelley-ohara-sam-kerr|title=Sky Blue FC Eliminated from NWSL Playoffs with 2-1 Loss to Washington|access-date=March 18, 2019|date=September 16, 2017}}</ref> Despite these successes, head coach [[Christy Holly]] unexpectedly stepped down as coach on August 16, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2017/08/16/christy-holly-steps-down-as-sky-blue-fc-head-coach/|title=Christy Holly Steps Down as Sky Blue FC Head Coach|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=August 16, 2017}}</ref>
After beginning with a 1–1 draw against [[OL Reign|Seattle Reign]], the 2017 season got off to an uneven start. Sky Blue recorded alternating wins and losses in their next four games. Over the opening 18 matches of the season, Sky Blue recorded only two draws, compared to 7 wins and 9 defeats. Despite these results, Sky Blue were in 3rd place as late as July 15. Ultimately, in 2017, Sky Blue had its most successful season since 2014. They finished in sixth place, but were in playoff contention until mid September.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2017/9/16/16319588/sky-blue-fc-eliminated-from-nwsl-playoffs-with-2-1-loss-to-washington-spirit-kelley-ohara-sam-kerr|title=Sky Blue FC Eliminated from NWSL Playoffs with 2-1 Loss to Washington|access-date=March 18, 2019|date=September 16, 2017}}</ref> Despite these successes, head coach [[Christy Holly]] unexpectedly stepped down as coach on August 16, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2017/08/16/christy-holly-steps-down-as-sky-blue-fc-head-coach/|title=Christy Holly Steps Down as Sky Blue FC Head Coach|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=August 16, 2017|archive-date=March 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331192827/https://skybluefc.com/2017/08/16/christy-holly-steps-down-as-sky-blue-fc-head-coach/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


=====Instability, scandals, and rebuilding, 2017–2019=====
=====Instability, scandals, and rebuilding, 2017–2019=====
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Holly's departure was followed by veteran defender [[Christie Pearce]] announcing she would miss the remainder of the season due to injury on August 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2017/8/18/16172266/christie-pearce-out-for-the-remainder-of-the-2017-season-sky-blue-fc|title=Christie Pearce Out For The Remainder Of The 2017 Season|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=August 18, 2017}}</ref> Following Holly's abrupt departure, assistant manager Dave Hodgson was appointed [[caretaker manager|interim]] head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://temple-news.com/experienced-coach-joins-womens-soccer-staff/|title=Experienced coach joins women's soccer staff|last=McGinley|first=Alex|website=[[The Temple News]]|date=September 4, 2018|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref>
Holly's departure was followed by veteran defender [[Christie Pearce]] announcing she would miss the remainder of the season due to injury on August 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2017/8/18/16172266/christie-pearce-out-for-the-remainder-of-the-2017-season-sky-blue-fc|title=Christie Pearce Out For The Remainder Of The 2017 Season|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=August 18, 2017}}</ref> Following Holly's abrupt departure, assistant manager Dave Hodgson was appointed [[caretaker manager|interim]] head coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://temple-news.com/experienced-coach-joins-womens-soccer-staff/|title=Experienced coach joins women's soccer staff|last=McGinley|first=Alex|website=[[The Temple News]]|date=September 4, 2018|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref>


On August 19, 2017 Sky Blue overcame a 3–0 deficit, to defeat the [[Seattle Reign]] 5–4. In that game [[Sam Kerr]] became the first player in NWSL history to score 4 goals in one game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/sam-kerr-scores-four-goals-in-sky-blue-fc-comeback-win-20170820-gy06u1.html|title=Sam Kerr scores four goals in Sky Blue FC comeback win|access-date=March 18, 2019|date=August 20, 2017}}</ref> Kerr enjoyed a breakout season in 2017, she broke the single season goal scoring record by scoring 17 goals and won the golden boot. Kerr was also awarded the 2017 NWSL MVP award.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://footballtoday.news/features/sam-kerr-wins-nwsl-most-valuable-player|title=Sam Kerr wins NWSL Most Valuable Player|access-date=March 18, 2019|date=October 21, 2017}}</ref>
On August 19, 2017, Sky Blue overcame a 3–0 deficit, to defeat the [[Seattle Reign]] 5–4. In that game [[Sam Kerr]] became the first player in NWSL history to score 4 goals in one game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/sam-kerr-scores-four-goals-in-sky-blue-fc-comeback-win-20170820-gy06u1.html|title=Sam Kerr scores four goals in Sky Blue FC comeback win|access-date=March 18, 2019|date=August 20, 2017}}</ref> Kerr enjoyed a breakout season in 2017, she broke the single season goal scoring record by scoring 17 goals and won the golden boot. Kerr was also awarded the 2017 NWSL MVP award.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://footballtoday.news/features/sam-kerr-wins-nwsl-most-valuable-player|title=Sam Kerr wins NWSL Most Valuable Player|access-date=March 18, 2019|date=October 21, 2017|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403174514/https://footballtoday.news/features/sam-kerr-wins-nwsl-most-valuable-player|url-status=dead}}</ref>


[[Denise Reddy]] was appointed as the new head coach on November 15, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/soccer/2017/11/15/sky-blue-fc-name-denise-reddy-new-head-coach/867843001/|title=Sky Blue FC name Denise Reddy as new head coach|date=November 15, 2017|access-date=November 15, 2017|publisher=NorthJersey.com/[[The Record (Bergen County)|The Record]]}}</ref> Sky Blue began the off-season by trading several of their key players. They dealt [[Taylor Lytle]] and [[United States women's national soccer team|USWNT]] defender [[Kelley O'Hara]] to the [[Utah Royals FC|Utah Royals]] on December 29, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2017/12/29/16830082/kelley-o-hara-trade-utah-royals-sky-blue-fc-nwsl-shea-groom-christina-gibbons|title=UWSNT star Kelley O'Hara traded to Utah Royals|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=December 29, 2017}}</ref> Then at the [[2018 NWSL College Draft]] they traded [[Nikki Stanton]] and 2017 NWSL MVP [[Sam Kerr]] to the [[Chicago Red Stars]].<ref name="trade">{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/01/18/nwsl-trade-carli-lloyd-sam-kerr-christen-press|title=Carli Lloyd, Sam Kerr, Christen Press Swap Clubs in NWSL Blockbuster Trade|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=January 18, 2018}}</ref> Sky Blue received forward [[Katie Johnson (footballer)|Katie Johnson]] and defender [[Rebekah Stott]] from the [[Seattle Reign]] in exchange for the rights to forward [[Caitlin Foord]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/pair-of-trades-sends-allie-long-to-seattle-the-rights-to-caitlin-foord-to-portland-johnson-and-stott-to-new-jersey|title=Pair of trades sends Long to Seattle, the rights to Foord to Portland, Johnson and Stott to NJ|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=January 11, 2018}}</ref> They also added two-time [[FIFA World Player of the Year|FIFA Player of the year]] [[Carli Lloyd]] in the trade for [[Sam Kerr]].<ref name="trade"/>
[[Denise Reddy]] was appointed as the new head coach on November 15, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/soccer/2017/11/15/sky-blue-fc-name-denise-reddy-new-head-coach/867843001/|title=Sky Blue FC name Denise Reddy as new head coach|date=November 15, 2017|access-date=November 15, 2017|publisher=NorthJersey.com/[[The Record (Bergen County)|The Record]]}}</ref> Sky Blue began the off-season by trading several of their key players. They dealt [[Taylor Lytle]] and [[United States women's national soccer team|USWNT]] defender [[Kelley O'Hara]] to the [[Utah Royals FC|Utah Royals]] on December 29, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2017/12/29/16830082/kelley-o-hara-trade-utah-royals-sky-blue-fc-nwsl-shea-groom-christina-gibbons|title=UWSNT star Kelley O'Hara traded to Utah Royals|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=December 29, 2017}}</ref> Then at the [[2018 NWSL College Draft]] they traded [[Nikki Stanton]] and 2017 NWSL MVP [[Sam Kerr]] to the [[Chicago Red Stars]].<ref name="trade">{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/01/18/nwsl-trade-carli-lloyd-sam-kerr-christen-press|title=Carli Lloyd, Sam Kerr, Christen Press Swap Clubs in NWSL Blockbuster Trade|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=January 18, 2018}}</ref> Sky Blue received forward [[Katie Johnson (footballer)|Katie Johnson]] and defender [[Rebekah Stott]] from the [[Seattle Reign]] in exchange for the rights to forward [[Caitlin Foord]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/pair-of-trades-sends-allie-long-to-seattle-the-rights-to-caitlin-foord-to-portland-johnson-and-stott-to-new-jersey|title=Pair of trades sends Long to Seattle, the rights to Foord to Portland, Johnson and Stott to NJ|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=January 11, 2018}}</ref> They also added two-time [[FIFA World Player of the Year|FIFA Player of the year]] [[Carli Lloyd]] in the trade for [[Sam Kerr]].<ref name="trade"/>
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These off-field issues, coupled with Sky Blue's poor results, led to the club being described as "falling apart, on the field and off".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://deadspin.com/the-nwsls-sky-blue-fc-is-falling-apart-on-the-field-an-1828043155|title=The NWSL's Sky Blue FC Is Falling Apart, On The Field And Off|last1=Allen|first1=R.J.|last2=Ayala|first2=Erica L.|work=Deadsprin|date=August 8, 2018|access-date=July 28, 2020}}</ref>
These off-field issues, coupled with Sky Blue's poor results, led to the club being described as "falling apart, on the field and off".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://deadspin.com/the-nwsls-sky-blue-fc-is-falling-apart-on-the-field-an-1828043155|title=The NWSL's Sky Blue FC Is Falling Apart, On The Field And Off|last1=Allen|first1=R.J.|last2=Ayala|first2=Erica L.|work=Deadsprin|date=August 8, 2018|access-date=July 28, 2020}}</ref>


The 2018 season did include promising rookie seasons from [[Imani Dorsey]] and [[Savannah McCaskill]]. Dorsey scored 4 goals in 13 games and McCaskill had 3 goals and 3 assists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nwslsoccer.com/teams/sky-blue?statsType=player&statsSeason=2018&scheduleSeason=2019&rosterSeason=2019&psort=g#stats|title=Sky Blue FC|access-date=March 19, 2019}}</ref> Both players were voted as finalists for the [[NWSL awards|2018 NWSL Rookie of the year]]. Dorsey won the award, becoming the second Sky Blue player to win the award after [[Raquel Rodríguez]] won it in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2018/09/16/imani-dorsey-savannah-mccaskill-voted-nwsl-rookie-of-the-year-finalists/|title=Imani Dorsey, Savannah McCaskill Voted NWSL Rookie of the Year Finalists|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=September 17, 2018}}</ref>
The 2018 season did include promising rookie seasons from [[Imani Dorsey]] and [[Savannah McCaskill]]. Dorsey scored 4 goals in 13 games and McCaskill had 3 goals and 3 assists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nwslsoccer.com/teams/sky-blue?statsType=player&statsSeason=2018&scheduleSeason=2019&rosterSeason=2019&psort=g#stats|title=Sky Blue FC|access-date=March 19, 2019}}</ref> Both players were voted as finalists for the [[NWSL Rookie of the Year|2018 NWSL Rookie of the year]]. Dorsey won the award, becoming the second Sky Blue player to win the award after [[Raquel Rodríguez]] won it in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2018/09/16/imani-dorsey-savannah-mccaskill-voted-nwsl-rookie-of-the-year-finalists/|title=Imani Dorsey, Savannah McCaskill Voted NWSL Rookie of the Year Finalists|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=September 17, 2018|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403162230/https://skybluefc.com/2018/09/16/imani-dorsey-savannah-mccaskill-voted-nwsl-rookie-of-the-year-finalists/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Following the disappointments of the preceding two seasons, the 2019 season got off to a poor start. Before the season even began, [[Hailie Mace]] and [[Julia Ashley]] declined to sign for the club despite being drafted, citing the team's mismanagement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thinkprogress.org/womens-soccer-no-toilets-draft-picks-329b69f9d522/|title=Women's pro soccer team can't guarantee working toilets, so its top draft picks are bailing|last=Gibbs|first=Lindsay|work=ThinkProgress|date=January 23, 2019|access-date=July 28, 2020}}</ref> Sky Blue then failed to win any of their opening nine matches, drawing two and losing seven. Head coach Denise Reddy was subsequently relieved of her duties. At the time of her dismissal, Reddy had won only one of thirty-three matches in charge of the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/denise-reddy-out-as-sky-blue-fc-head-coach|title=Denise Reddy out as Sky Blue FC head coach|last=Purdy|first=Jacqueline|website=nwslsoccer.com|date=June 29, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> Goalkeeping coach Hugo Macedo was named [[caretaker manager|interim]] head coach following Reddy's dismissal. In his first game in charge, Macedo guided Sky Blue to a 2–1 win over the [[Chicago Red Stars]], their first victory in an [[road (sports)|away game]] since September 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/sky-blue-fc-denise-reddy-fired-first-win-chicago-red-stars-sam-kerr-20190707.html|title=Sky Blue FC gets first win of season, and first win since coach was fired|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|last=Tannenwald|first=Jonathan|date=July 6, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> Under Macedo, Sky Blue amassed a 4–2–4 record. However, on September 4, Macedo returned to his previous role of goalkeeping coach and was replaced as interim head coach by [[Freya Coombe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soccerwire.com/news/sky-blue-fc-tabs-freya-coombe-as-interim-head-coach/|title=Sky Blue FC tabs Freya Coombe as interim head coach|website=soccerwire.com|date=September 4, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> Under Coombe, Sky Blue went on to win only one of their final five games of the season. Having had three head coaches in a single season for the second time, Sky Blue finished the 2019 season with a record of 5 wins, 5 draws, and 14 defeats. This saw them finish 8th in the table, ahead of only the [[Orlando Pride]], and failing to qualify for the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.
Following the disappointments of the preceding two seasons, the 2019 season got off to a poor start. Before the season even began, [[Hailie Mace]] and [[Julia Ashley]] declined to sign for the club despite being drafted, citing the team's mismanagement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thinkprogress.org/womens-soccer-no-toilets-draft-picks-329b69f9d522/|title=Women's pro soccer team can't guarantee working toilets, so its top draft picks are bailing|last=Gibbs|first=Lindsay|work=ThinkProgress|date=January 23, 2019|access-date=July 28, 2020}}</ref> Sky Blue then failed to win any of their opening nine matches, drawing two and losing seven. Head coach Denise Reddy was subsequently relieved of her duties. At the time of her dismissal, Reddy had won only one of thirty-three matches in charge of the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/denise-reddy-out-as-sky-blue-fc-head-coach|title=Denise Reddy out as Sky Blue FC head coach|last=Purdy|first=Jacqueline|website=nwslsoccer.com|date=June 29, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> Goalkeeping coach Hugo Macedo was named [[caretaker manager|interim]] head coach following Reddy's dismissal. In his first game in charge, Macedo guided Sky Blue to a 2–1 win over the [[Chicago Red Stars]], their first victory in an [[road (sports)|away game]] since September 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/sky-blue-fc-denise-reddy-fired-first-win-chicago-red-stars-sam-kerr-20190707.html|title=Sky Blue FC gets first win of season, and first win since coach was fired|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|last=Tannenwald|first=Jonathan|date=July 6, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> Under Macedo, Sky Blue amassed a 4–2–4 record. However, on September 4, Macedo returned to his previous role of goalkeeping coach and was replaced as interim head coach by [[Freya Coombe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soccerwire.com/news/sky-blue-fc-tabs-freya-coombe-as-interim-head-coach/|title=Sky Blue FC tabs Freya Coombe as interim head coach|website=soccerwire.com|date=September 4, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> Under Coombe, Sky Blue went on to win only one of their final five games of the season. Having had three head coaches in a single season for the second time, Sky Blue finished the 2019 season with a record of 5 wins, 5 draws, and 14 defeats. This saw them finish 8th in the table, ahead of only the [[Orlando Pride]], and failing to qualify for the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.


Off the field, in February co-owner and [[First Lady]] of [[New Jersey]] [[Tammy Murphy]] announced she would be taking an "active role" in the club.<ref name=Tammy>{{cite news|url=https://www.dailyrecord.com/story/sports/2019/02/12/tammy-murphy-sky-blue-soccer/2846351002/|title=NJ Gov. Phil Murphy's wife, Tammy, takes 'active role' with troubled Sky Blue soccer team|last=Havsy|first=Jane|work=Morristown Daily Record|date=February 12, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> In the same statement, Murphy announced that the club had taken steps to improve player housing, as well as relocating its administrative offices, and expanding the size of the club's staff.<ref name=Tammy/> Murphy also committed to improving Sky Blue's training facilities.<ref name=Tammy/> Longtime president and General Manager Tony Novo resigned in April, with reports alleging that Novo was forced out of the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2019/4/9/18303855/tony-novo-resigns-as-sky-blue-fc-president-general-manager-nwsl-alyse-lahue|title=Tony Novo resigns as Sky Blue FC President, General Manager|last=Lee|first=Allison|website=OnceAMetro.com|date=April 9, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> Alyse LaHue, formerly General Manager of the Chicago Red Stars, was named interim GM following Novo's resignation. LaHue was later made permanent General Manager on September 3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2019/09/03/sky-blue-fc-names-alyse-lahue-general-manager/|title=Sky Blue FC Names Alyse LaHue General Manager|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=September 3, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref>
Off the field, in February co-owner and [[First Lady]] of [[New Jersey]] [[Tammy Murphy]] announced she would be taking an "active role" in the club.<ref name=Tammy>{{cite news|url=https://www.dailyrecord.com/story/sports/2019/02/12/tammy-murphy-sky-blue-soccer/2846351002/|title=NJ Gov. Phil Murphy's wife, Tammy, takes 'active role' with troubled Sky Blue soccer team|last=Havsy|first=Jane|work=Morristown Daily Record|date=February 12, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> In the same statement, Murphy announced that the club had taken steps to improve player housing, as well as relocating its administrative offices, and expanding the size of the club's staff.<ref name=Tammy/> Murphy also committed to improving Sky Blue's training facilities.<ref name=Tammy/> Longtime president and General Manager Tony Novo resigned in April, with reports alleging that Novo was forced out of the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2019/4/9/18303855/tony-novo-resigns-as-sky-blue-fc-president-general-manager-nwsl-alyse-lahue|title=Tony Novo resigns as Sky Blue FC President, General Manager|last=Lee|first=Allison|website=OnceAMetro.com|date=April 9, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> Alyse LaHue, formerly General Manager of the Chicago Red Stars, was named interim GM following Novo's resignation. LaHue was later made permanent General Manager on September 3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2019/09/03/sky-blue-fc-names-alyse-lahue-general-manager/|title=Sky Blue FC Names Alyse LaHue General Manager|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=September 3, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=September 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915012647/https://skybluefc.com/2019/09/03/sky-blue-fc-names-alyse-lahue-general-manager/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


In November 2019, Sky Blue announced that they had reached an agreement with [[Major League Soccer]] club the [[New York Red Bulls]] to play their home matches for the following season at [[Red Bull Arena (New Jersey)|Red Bull Arena]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2019/11/18/new-york-red-bulls-and-sky-blue-fc-announce-new-partnership/|title=New York Red Bulls and Sky Blue FC Announce New Partnership|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=November 18, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=December 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214105140/https://skybluefc.com/2019/11/18/new-york-red-bulls-and-sky-blue-fc-announce-new-partnership/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In December, Freya Coombe's appointment as head coach was made permanent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2019/12/23/new-sky-blue-fc-head-coach-freya-coombe-interview-nwsl/|title='It's hard not to be energized': Meet new Sky Blue head coach Freya Coombe|last=Lauletta|first=Dan|work=The Equalizer|date=December 23, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref>
In November 2019, Sky Blue announced that they had reached an agreement with [[Major League Soccer]] club the [[New York Red Bulls]] to play their home matches for the following season at [[Red Bull Arena (New Jersey)|Red Bull Arena]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2019/11/18/new-york-red-bulls-and-sky-blue-fc-announce-new-partnership/|title=New York Red Bulls and Sky Blue FC Announce New Partnership|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=November 18, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=December 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214105140/https://skybluefc.com/2019/11/18/new-york-red-bulls-and-sky-blue-fc-announce-new-partnership/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In December, Freya Coombe's appointment as head coach was made permanent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2019/12/23/new-sky-blue-fc-head-coach-freya-coombe-interview-nwsl/|title='It's hard not to be energized': Meet new Sky Blue head coach Freya Coombe|last=Lauletta|first=Dan|work=The Equalizer|date=December 23, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref>
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=====A fresh start, 2020=====
=====A fresh start, 2020=====
{{main|2020 Sky Blue FC season}}
{{main|2020 Sky Blue FC season}}
Following their previous announcement of a [[groundshare]] arrangement, in February 2020 Sky Blue announced that they had agreed a deal to share training facilities with the New York Red Bulls.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/02/18/sky-blue-fc-announces-move-to-new-york-red-bulls-training-facility/|title=Sky Blue FC Announces Move to New York Red Bulls Training Facility|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=February 18, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> That same month, Ed Nalbandian joined the club as minority owner and was appointed Vice Chair.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/02/19/sky-blue-fc-ownership-group-grows-with-addition-of-ed-nalbandian/|title=Sky Blue FC Ownership Group Grows with Addition of Ed Nalbandian|date=February 19, 2020|access-date=July 28, 2020|publisher=Sky Blue FC}}</ref> Heading into the 2020 season, Sky Blue's off field developments over the preceding year were perceived as having turned around the club's culture.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/soccer/2020/01/15/nj-sky-blue-fc-hopes-successful-2020-soccer-season/4457608002/|title=Cinderella story? NJ's Sky Blue FC has high hopes for a successful 2020 soccer season|last=Anzidei|first=Melanie|website=NorthJersey.com|date=January 15, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref><ref name=SBCC/> The club also took steps to overhaul their roster, bringing in thirteen new players,<ref name=SBCC>{{cite web|url=https://www.allforxi.com/2020/6/23/21299112/sky-blue-fc-2020-nwsl-challenge-cup-preview|title=Sky Blue FC has turned around its culture. Now can it get good at soccer?|last=McCauley|first=Kim|website=AllforXI.com|date=June 23, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> such as [[Mallory Pugh]], [[McCall Zerboni]], and [[Margaret Purce]], for what was described as a "new-look Sky Blue."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2020/5/12/21256098/new-horizons-for-sky-blue-in-2020|title=New horizons for Sky Blue in 2020|last=Post|first=J.J.|website=OnceAMetro.com|date=May 12, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> These changes led to a belief that the club "was set to make leaps and bounds" and would "compete for playoff spots in due time."<ref name=Multiplex>{{cite web|url=https://mlsmultiplex.com/2020/06/25/nwsl-2020-challenge-cup-preview/3/|title=NWSL: The 2020 Challenge Cup Preview|last=Hubbard|first=Drew|website=Fansided|date=June 25, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> The outbreak of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]] halted the new season's momentum before it could even begin, however. On March 12, the team's originally scheduled preseason was cancelled.<ref>{{cite press release|date=March 12, 2020|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/statement-from-nwsl-commissioner-lisa-baird-regarding-the-2020-season|title=Statement from NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird regarding the 2020 season|publisher=NWSL Media Staff|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> The start date of the 2020 NWSL season was also pushed back before being cancelled altogether and replaced by the [[2020 NWSL Challenge Cup]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://prod-nwsl-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/wp/uploads/2020/06/challengecup_rosterrules.pdf|page=3|title=2020 Champions Cup Presented by P&G and Secret Roster Rules|publisher=NWSL|date=June 13, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref>
Following their previous announcement of a [[groundshare]] arrangement, in February 2020 Sky Blue announced that they had agreed a deal to share training facilities with the New York Red Bulls.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/02/18/sky-blue-fc-announces-move-to-new-york-red-bulls-training-facility/|title=Sky Blue FC Announces Move to New York Red Bulls Training Facility|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=February 18, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728063013/https://skybluefc.com/2020/02/18/sky-blue-fc-announces-move-to-new-york-red-bulls-training-facility/|url-status=dead}}</ref> That same month, Ed Nalbandian joined the club as minority owner and was appointed Vice Chair.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/02/19/sky-blue-fc-ownership-group-grows-with-addition-of-ed-nalbandian/|title=Sky Blue FC Ownership Group Grows with Addition of Ed Nalbandian|date=February 19, 2020|access-date=July 28, 2020|publisher=Sky Blue FC|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728054220/https://skybluefc.com/2020/02/19/sky-blue-fc-ownership-group-grows-with-addition-of-ed-nalbandian/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Heading into the 2020 season, Sky Blue's off field developments over the preceding year were perceived as having turned around the club's culture.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/soccer/2020/01/15/nj-sky-blue-fc-hopes-successful-2020-soccer-season/4457608002/|title=Cinderella story? NJ's Sky Blue FC has high hopes for a successful 2020 soccer season|last=Anzidei|first=Melanie|website=NorthJersey.com|date=January 15, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref><ref name=SBCC/> The club also took steps to overhaul their roster, bringing in thirteen new players,<ref name=SBCC>{{cite web|url=https://www.allforxi.com/2020/6/23/21299112/sky-blue-fc-2020-nwsl-challenge-cup-preview|title=Sky Blue FC has turned around its culture. Now can it get good at soccer?|last=McCauley|first=Kim|website=AllforXI.com|date=June 23, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> such as [[Mallory Pugh]], [[McCall Zerboni]], and [[Margaret Purce]], for what was described as a "new-look Sky Blue."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2020/5/12/21256098/new-horizons-for-sky-blue-in-2020|title=New horizons for Sky Blue in 2020|last=Post|first=J.J.|website=OnceAMetro.com|date=May 12, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> These changes led to a belief that the club "was set to make leaps and bounds" and would "compete for playoff spots in due time."<ref name=Multiplex>{{cite web|url=https://mlsmultiplex.com/2020/06/25/nwsl-2020-challenge-cup-preview/3/|title=NWSL: The 2020 Challenge Cup Preview|last=Hubbard|first=Drew|website=Fansided|date=June 25, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> The outbreak of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|COVID-19 pandemic]] halted the new season's momentum before it could even begin, however. On March 12, the team's originally scheduled preseason was cancelled.<ref>{{cite press release|date=March 12, 2020|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/statement-from-nwsl-commissioner-lisa-baird-regarding-the-2020-season|title=Statement from NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird regarding the 2020 season|publisher=NWSL Media Staff|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=April 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411041915/https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/statement-from-nwsl-commissioner-lisa-baird-regarding-the-2020-season|url-status=dead}}</ref> The start date of the 2020 NWSL season was also pushed back before being cancelled altogether and replaced by the [[2020 NWSL Challenge Cup]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://prod-nwsl-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/wp/uploads/2020/06/challengecup_rosterrules.pdf|page=3|title=2020 Champions Cup Presented by P&G and Secret Roster Rules|publisher=NWSL|date=June 13, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref>


Veteran defender [[Caprice Dydasco]], new arrival Pugh, and star midfielder [[Carli Lloyd]] were ruled out of the Challenge Cup through injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/06/23/sky-blue-fc-announces-2020-nwsl-challenge-cup-roster/|title=Sky Blue FC Announces 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Roster|publisher=Sky Blue FC|website=skybluefc.com|date=June 23, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626013630/https://skybluefc.com/2020/06/23/sky-blue-fc-announces-2020-nwsl-challenge-cup-roster/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Midfielder [[Madison Tiernan]] also picked up an injury shortly before the start of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/06/26/madison-tiernan-placed-on-45-day-disabled-list/|title=Sky Blue FC Midfielder Madison Tiernan placed on 45-day Disabled List|date=June 26, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|publisher=Sky Blue FC|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702152339/https://skybluefc.com/2020/06/26/madison-tiernan-placed-on-45-day-disabled-list/|url-status=dead}}</ref> These absences, coupled with the extensive changes that had been made to the club in a short space of time, led to Sky Blue entering the Challenge Cup as "the true underdog".<ref name=CBSS>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nwsl/news/nwsl-challenge-cup-power-rankings-why-every-team-in-utah-is-chasing-north-carolina-courage/|title=NWSL Challenge Cup Power Rankings: Why every team in Utah is chasing North Carolina Courage|date=June 27, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> The truncated season was seen as pushing back the club's growth,<ref name=Multiplex/> while at the same time the tournament was perceived as "more of a development opportunity."<ref name=SBCC/> Heading into the tournament, the team were perceived as least likely to reach the final.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/soccer-predictions/nwsl-challenge-cup/|title=NWSL Challenge Cup 2020|website=FiveThirtyEight|date=June 24, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref><ref name=CBSS/>
Veteran defender [[Caprice Dydasco]], new arrival Pugh, and star midfielder [[Carli Lloyd]] were ruled out of the Challenge Cup through injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/06/23/sky-blue-fc-announces-2020-nwsl-challenge-cup-roster/|title=Sky Blue FC Announces 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Roster|publisher=Sky Blue FC|website=skybluefc.com|date=June 23, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626013630/https://skybluefc.com/2020/06/23/sky-blue-fc-announces-2020-nwsl-challenge-cup-roster/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Midfielder [[Madison Tiernan]] also picked up an injury shortly before the start of the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/06/26/madison-tiernan-placed-on-45-day-disabled-list/|title=Sky Blue FC Midfielder Madison Tiernan placed on 45-day Disabled List|date=June 26, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|publisher=Sky Blue FC|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702152339/https://skybluefc.com/2020/06/26/madison-tiernan-placed-on-45-day-disabled-list/|url-status=dead}}</ref> These absences, coupled with the extensive changes that had been made to the club in a short space of time, led to Sky Blue entering the Challenge Cup as "the true underdog".<ref name=CBSS>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nwsl/news/nwsl-challenge-cup-power-rankings-why-every-team-in-utah-is-chasing-north-carolina-courage/|title=NWSL Challenge Cup Power Rankings: Why every team in Utah is chasing North Carolina Courage|date=June 27, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> The truncated season was seen as pushing back the club's growth,<ref name=Multiplex/> while at the same time the tournament was perceived as "more of a development opportunity."<ref name=SBCC/> Heading into the tournament, the team were perceived as least likely to reach the final.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/soccer-predictions/nwsl-challenge-cup/|title=NWSL Challenge Cup 2020|website=FiveThirtyEight|date=June 24, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref><ref name=CBSS/>
Line 140: Line 142:
Following a 0–0 draw with the [[OL Reign]] in their opening game of the tournament and a 1–0 defeat to [[Utah Royals FC|Utah Royals]], Sky Blue recorded a 2–0 win over the [[Houston Dash]], which saw them rise to 2nd in the table.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2020/07/09/nice-jump-sky-blue-fc-leaps-into-2nd-after-1st-win-1st-goals-in-challenge-cup/|title=NICE JUMP: Sky Blue FC leaps into 2nd after 1st win, 1st goals in Challenge Cup|date=July 9, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|last=Lewis|first=Michael|website=Front Row Soccer}}</ref> A subsequent 2–0 defeat to the [[North Carolina Courage]] saw them slump to 7th, and Sky Blue were pitted against 2nd place [[Washington Spirit]] in the quarter-final. The Spirit were perceived as the favorite for the match,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blackandredunited.com/washington-spirit-womens-soccer/2020/7/18/21329305/washington-spirit-sky-blue-fc-2020-live-stream-time-tv-how-to-watch-nwsl-challenge-cup-online|title=Washington Spirit vs. Sky Blue FC 2020: Time, TV schedule and how to watch NWSL Challenge Cup online|website=Black And Red United|last=Anderson|first=Jason|date=July 18, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> though Sky Blue ultimately advanced after winning 4–3 on penalties.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nwsl/news/sky-blue-fc-beats-washington-spirit-on-penalties-knocks-no-2-seed-out-of-nwsl-challenge-cup/live/|title=Sky Blue FC beats Washington Spirit on penalties, knocks No. 2 seed out of NWSL Challenge Cup|website=CBS Sports|last=Herrera|first=Sandra|date=July 18, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> In the semi-final, Sky Blue were pitted against the Chicago Red Stars, who had finished as runners-up in the 2019 NWSL Championship. After conceding three goals in the opening 60 minutes, Sky Blue rallied courtesy of a late goal from [[Evelyne Viens]] and an effort by Purce which forced an own goal by [[Julie Ertz]]. However, Sky Blue were unable to overcome the deficit and the club were eliminated in a 3–2 defeat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/07/23/sky-blue-falls-to-chicago-3-2-in-tight-semifinal-matchup/|title=Sky Blue Falls to Chicago 3-2 in Tight Semifinal Matchup|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=July 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723151559/https://skybluefc.com/2020/07/23/sky-blue-falls-to-chicago-3-2-in-tight-semifinal-matchup/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite these results, goalkeeper [[Kailen Sheridan]] was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament by the media, being awarded the Golden Glove.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/07/27/kailen-sheridan-earns-2020-nwsl-challenge-cup-golden-glove-award/|title=Kailen Sheridan Earns 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Golden Glove Award|last=Shimkin|first=Nick|website=SkyBlueFC.com|date=July 27, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=July 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727180356/https://skybluefc.com/2020/07/27/kailen-sheridan-earns-2020-nwsl-challenge-cup-golden-glove-award/|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] also wrote that Sky Blue's performance in the tournament "shows big potential for the future," and that "if general manager Alyse LaHue can keep her team's spine together, Sky Blue will enter 2021 with real potential to end its playoff drought."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/nwsl-challenge-cup-sky-blue-fc-20200723.html|title=Sky Blue FC's NWSL Challenge Cup run shows big potential for the future — whenever that may be|last=Tannenwald|first=Jonathan|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=October 18, 2020}}</ref>
Following a 0–0 draw with the [[OL Reign]] in their opening game of the tournament and a 1–0 defeat to [[Utah Royals FC|Utah Royals]], Sky Blue recorded a 2–0 win over the [[Houston Dash]], which saw them rise to 2nd in the table.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2020/07/09/nice-jump-sky-blue-fc-leaps-into-2nd-after-1st-win-1st-goals-in-challenge-cup/|title=NICE JUMP: Sky Blue FC leaps into 2nd after 1st win, 1st goals in Challenge Cup|date=July 9, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|last=Lewis|first=Michael|website=Front Row Soccer}}</ref> A subsequent 2–0 defeat to the [[North Carolina Courage]] saw them slump to 7th, and Sky Blue were pitted against 2nd place [[Washington Spirit]] in the quarter-final. The Spirit were perceived as the favorite for the match,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blackandredunited.com/washington-spirit-womens-soccer/2020/7/18/21329305/washington-spirit-sky-blue-fc-2020-live-stream-time-tv-how-to-watch-nwsl-challenge-cup-online|title=Washington Spirit vs. Sky Blue FC 2020: Time, TV schedule and how to watch NWSL Challenge Cup online|website=Black And Red United|last=Anderson|first=Jason|date=July 18, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> though Sky Blue ultimately advanced after winning 4–3 on penalties.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nwsl/news/sky-blue-fc-beats-washington-spirit-on-penalties-knocks-no-2-seed-out-of-nwsl-challenge-cup/live/|title=Sky Blue FC beats Washington Spirit on penalties, knocks No. 2 seed out of NWSL Challenge Cup|website=CBS Sports|last=Herrera|first=Sandra|date=July 18, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}</ref> In the semi-final, Sky Blue were pitted against the Chicago Red Stars, who had finished as runners-up in the 2019 NWSL Championship. After conceding three goals in the opening 60 minutes, Sky Blue rallied courtesy of a late goal from [[Evelyne Viens]] and an effort by Purce which forced an own goal by [[Julie Ertz]]. However, Sky Blue were unable to overcome the deficit and the club were eliminated in a 3–2 defeat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/07/23/sky-blue-falls-to-chicago-3-2-in-tight-semifinal-matchup/|title=Sky Blue Falls to Chicago 3-2 in Tight Semifinal Matchup|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=July 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723151559/https://skybluefc.com/2020/07/23/sky-blue-falls-to-chicago-3-2-in-tight-semifinal-matchup/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite these results, goalkeeper [[Kailen Sheridan]] was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament by the media, being awarded the Golden Glove.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/07/27/kailen-sheridan-earns-2020-nwsl-challenge-cup-golden-glove-award/|title=Kailen Sheridan Earns 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Golden Glove Award|last=Shimkin|first=Nick|website=SkyBlueFC.com|date=July 27, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=July 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727180356/https://skybluefc.com/2020/07/27/kailen-sheridan-earns-2020-nwsl-challenge-cup-golden-glove-award/|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] also wrote that Sky Blue's performance in the tournament "shows big potential for the future," and that "if general manager Alyse LaHue can keep her team's spine together, Sky Blue will enter 2021 with real potential to end its playoff drought."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/nwsl-challenge-cup-sky-blue-fc-20200723.html|title=Sky Blue FC's NWSL Challenge Cup run shows big potential for the future — whenever that may be|last=Tannenwald|first=Jonathan|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=October 18, 2020}}</ref>


Following the conclusion of the Challenge Cup, the NWSL announced the continuation of the season with the [[2020 National Women's Soccer League season#Fall Series|NWSL Fall Series]]. Per the rules of the series, Sky Blue were drawn into a three-team regional pod with the Washington Spirit and Chicago Red Stars. Sky Blue opened the Fall Series with a 2–1 victory over the Washington Spirit at [[Segra Field]] on September 5,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/washington-spirit-vs-sky-blue-2020-09-05|title=Sky Blue FC earns the first Fall Series victory|last=Levine|first=Matthew|date=September 5, 2020|access-date=October 11, 2020|website=nwslsoccer.com}}</ref> though this was followed by a heavy 4–1 defeat to the Chicago Red Stars.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/chicago-red-stars-vs-sky-blue-2020-09-20|title=Chicago Red Stars power past Sky Blue in 4-1 victory|last=Levine|first=Matthew|website=nwslsoccer.com|date=September 20, 2020|access-date=October 11, 2020}}</ref> Sky Blue then suffered a 1–0 defeat to the Washington Spirit in their first [[home game]] of the season,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/10/03/15785/|title=Sky Blue Falls to the Washington Spirit 1-0 in Third Fall Series Match|last=Duffy|first=Shannon|website=Skybluefc.com|date=October 3, 2020|access-date=October 10, 2020}}</ref> before closing out the Fall Series with a 3–1 victory at home over Chicago.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/10/10/sky-blue-closes-fall-series-with-3-1-win-against-chicago/|title=Sky Blue Closes Fall Series With 3-1 Win Against Chicago|date=October 10, 2020|access-date=October 11, 2020|publisher=Sky Blue FC}}</ref> These results ultimately saw Sky Blue finish the Fall Series in fourth place, just one point behind the third-placed Washington Spirit.
Following the conclusion of the Challenge Cup, the NWSL announced the continuation of the season with the [[2020 National Women's Soccer League season#Fall Series|NWSL Fall Series]]. Per the rules of the series, Sky Blue were drawn into a three-team regional pod with the Washington Spirit and Chicago Red Stars. Sky Blue opened the Fall Series with a 2–1 victory over the Washington Spirit at [[Segra Field]] on September 5,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/washington-spirit-vs-sky-blue-2020-09-05|title=Sky Blue FC earns the first Fall Series victory|last=Levine|first=Matthew|date=September 5, 2020|access-date=October 11, 2020|website=nwslsoccer.com}}</ref> though this was followed by a heavy 4–1 defeat to the Chicago Red Stars.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/chicago-red-stars-vs-sky-blue-2020-09-20|title=Chicago Red Stars power past Sky Blue in 4-1 victory|last=Levine|first=Matthew|website=nwslsoccer.com|date=September 20, 2020|access-date=October 11, 2020}}</ref> Sky Blue then suffered a 1–0 defeat to the Washington Spirit in their first [[home game]] of the season,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/10/03/15785/|title=Sky Blue Falls to the Washington Spirit 1-0 in Third Fall Series Match|last=Duffy|first=Shannon|website=Skybluefc.com|date=October 3, 2020|access-date=October 10, 2020|archive-date=October 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011094843/https://skybluefc.com/2020/10/03/15785/|url-status=dead}}</ref> before closing out the Fall Series with a 3–1 victory at home over Chicago.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/10/10/sky-blue-closes-fall-series-with-3-1-win-against-chicago/|title=Sky Blue Closes Fall Series With 3-1 Win Against Chicago|date=October 10, 2020|access-date=October 11, 2020|publisher=Sky Blue FC|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012171459/https://skybluefc.com/2020/10/10/sky-blue-closes-fall-series-with-3-1-win-against-chicago/|url-status=dead}}</ref> These results ultimately saw Sky Blue finish the Fall Series in fourth place, just one point behind the third-placed Washington Spirit.


===2021–present: NJ/NY Gotham FC and NWSL Champions===
===2021–present: NJ/NY Gotham FC and NWSL Champions===
{{main|2021 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2022 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2023 NJ/NY Gotham FC season}}
{{main|2021 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2022 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2023 NJ/NY Gotham FC season}}
In April 2021, Sky Blue officially changed its name to Gotham FC,<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Thomas|first=Louisa|date=2021-04-30|title=The Transformation of a Soccer Club, and the Ways We Value Women's Sports|url=https://www.newyorker.com/sports/sporting-scene/the-transformation-of-a-soccer-club-and-the-ways-we-value-womens-sports|access-date=2021-08-23|magazine=The New Yorker|language=en-US}}</ref> "Gotham" being a [[Nicknames of New York City|nickname for New York City]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nypl.org/blog/2011/01/25/so-why-do-we-call-it-gotham-anyway |title= So, why do we call it Gotham anyway? |first=Carmen |last= Nigro |date= January 25, 2011 |access-date=2021-10-21 |work= [[New York Public Library]]}}</ref><ref name=NYCDailyNewsNicknames>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/gotham-metropolis-nyc-best-nicknames-article-1.2556511|title=From Gotham to Metropolis: A look at NYC's best nicknames|author=Keri Blakinger |author-link=Keri Blakinger|newspaper=New York Daily News|date=March 8, 2016|access-date=2021-10-21}}</ref> Carli Lloyd announced her retirement from professional soccer on August 16, 2021, indicating the current NJ/NY Gotham season would be her last season.<ref>{{Cite press release|date=2021-08-16|title=Soccer Legend Carli Lloyd Announces Retirement|url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1178856-soccer-legend-carli-lloyd-announces-retirement|access-date=2021-08-23|publisher=NJ/NY Gotham FC|language=en-us}}</ref> In September 2021, former Sky Blue player [[Nadia Nadim]] accused management of forging her signature on a contract extension so they could trade her to the [[Portland Thorns]] in early 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McMullen |first1=Justin |title=Players Excoriate NWSL in Response To More Abuse Allegations |url=https://venussports.co/2021/09/30/players-excoriate-nwsl-in-response-to-more-abuse-allegations/ |publisher=Venus Sports |date=September 30, 2021 |access-date=October 21, 2021 |archive-date=October 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021165355/https://venussports.co/2021/09/30/players-excoriate-nwsl-in-response-to-more-abuse-allegations/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In April 2021, Sky Blue officially changed its name to Gotham FC,<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Thomas|first=Louisa|date=2021-04-30|title=The Transformation of a Soccer Club, and the Ways We Value Women's Sports|url=https://www.newyorker.com/sports/sporting-scene/the-transformation-of-a-soccer-club-and-the-ways-we-value-womens-sports|access-date=2021-08-23|magazine=The New Yorker|language=en-US}}</ref> "Gotham" being a [[Nicknames of New York City|nickname for New York City]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nypl.org/blog/2011/01/25/so-why-do-we-call-it-gotham-anyway |title= So, why do we call it Gotham anyway? |first=Carmen |last= Nigro |date= January 25, 2011 |access-date=2021-10-21 |work= [[New York Public Library]]}}</ref><ref name=NYCDailyNewsNicknames>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/gotham-metropolis-nyc-best-nicknames-article-1.2556511|title=From Gotham to Metropolis: A look at NYC's best nicknames|author=Keri Blakinger |author-link=Keri Blakinger|newspaper=New York Daily News|date=March 8, 2016|access-date=2021-10-21}}</ref> Carli Lloyd announced her retirement from professional soccer on August 16, 2021, indicating the current NJ/NY Gotham season would be her last season.<ref>{{Cite press release|date=2021-08-16|title=Soccer Legend Carli Lloyd Announces Retirement|url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1178856-soccer-legend-carli-lloyd-announces-retirement|access-date=2021-08-23|publisher=NJ/NY Gotham FC|language=en-us}}</ref> In September 2021, former Sky Blue player [[Nadia Nadim]] accused management of forging her signature on a contract extension so they could trade her to the [[Portland Thorns]] in early 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McMullen |first1=Justin |title=Players Excoriate NWSL in Response To More Abuse Allegations |url=https://venussports.co/2021/09/30/players-excoriate-nwsl-in-response-to-more-abuse-allegations/ |publisher=Venus Sports |date=September 30, 2021 |access-date=October 21, 2021 |archive-date=October 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021165355/https://venussports.co/2021/09/30/players-excoriate-nwsl-in-response-to-more-abuse-allegations/ |url-status=usurped }}</ref>


Lloyd joined the ownership group on April 27, 2022.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1222844 |title=Carli Lloyd Rejoins NJ/NY Gotham FC in New Role as Minority Owner |publisher=NJ/NY Gotham FC |date=April 27, 2022 |access-date=April 30, 2022}}</ref> On May 4, 2022, [[NBA]] player [[Kevin Durant]] and investor [[Rich Kleiman]] announced their minority investment into Gotham FC via their investment company Thirty Five Ventures.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/05/04/kevin-durant-gotham-fc-ownership-stake-rich-kleiman |title=Kevin Durant Becomes Minority Investor in NWSL's Gotham FC |date=May 4, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |first=Dan |last=Lyons}}</ref> On July 29, 2022, [[WNBA]] player [[Sue Bird]] joined Gotham FC's ownership group as a minority owner, consultant, and advisor.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/07/29/nj-ny-gotham-fc-sue-bird-minority-investor |title=Sue Bird Becomes Minority Investor in NWSL's Gotham FC |date=July 29, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |first=Jelani |last=Scott}}</ref> On August 10, 2022, Gotham FC announced the addition of former [[New York Giants]] quarterback [[Eli Manning]] and Giants chief commercial officer [[Pete Guelli]] to its ownership group as minority owners.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://njbiz.com/giants-manning-guelli-join-gotham-fc-ownership-slideshow/ |title=Giants' Manning, Guelli join Gotham FC ownership (slideshow) |date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |work=NJBIZ |first=Gabrielle |last=Saulsbery}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/nwsl/2022/08/10/eli-manning-gotham-fc-nwsl/10294004002/ |title=New York Giants legend Eli Manning joins ownership group of NWSL team Gotham FC |date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |work=[[USA Today]] |first=Melanie |last=Anzidei}}</ref> The investments raised the club's valuation to an estimated $40 million.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/nj-ny-gotham-fc/story/4708359/sue-birdeli-manning-join-nj-ny-gotham-fc-ownership-group-reports |title=Sue Bird joins NJ/NY Gotham FC ownership group |date=July 29, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Reuters]]}}</ref>
Lloyd joined the ownership group on April 27, 2022.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1222844 |title=Carli Lloyd Rejoins NJ/NY Gotham FC in New Role as Minority Owner |publisher=NJ/NY Gotham FC |date=April 27, 2022 |access-date=April 30, 2022}}</ref> On May 4, 2022, [[NBA]] player [[Kevin Durant]] and investor [[Rich Kleiman]] announced their minority investment into Gotham FC via their investment company Thirty Five Ventures.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/05/04/kevin-durant-gotham-fc-ownership-stake-rich-kleiman |title=Kevin Durant Becomes Minority Investor in NWSL's Gotham FC |date=May 4, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |first=Dan |last=Lyons}}</ref> On July 29, 2022, [[WNBA]] player [[Sue Bird]] joined Gotham FC's ownership group as a minority owner, consultant, and advisor.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/07/29/nj-ny-gotham-fc-sue-bird-minority-investor |title=Sue Bird Becomes Minority Investor in NWSL's Gotham FC |date=July 29, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |first=Jelani |last=Scott}}</ref> On August 10, 2022, Gotham FC announced the addition of former [[New York Giants]] quarterback [[Eli Manning]] and Giants chief commercial officer [[Pete Guelli]] to its ownership group as minority owners.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://njbiz.com/giants-manning-guelli-join-gotham-fc-ownership-slideshow/ |title=Giants' Manning, Guelli join Gotham FC ownership (slideshow) |date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |work=NJBIZ |first=Gabrielle |last=Saulsbery}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/nwsl/2022/08/10/eli-manning-gotham-fc-nwsl/10294004002/ |title=New York Giants legend Eli Manning joins ownership group of NWSL team Gotham FC |date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |work=[[USA Today]] |first=Melanie |last=Anzidei}}</ref> The investments raised the club's valuation to an estimated $40 million.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/nj-ny-gotham-fc/story/4708359/sue-birdeli-manning-join-nj-ny-gotham-fc-ownership-group-reports |title=Sue Bird joins NJ/NY Gotham FC ownership group |date=July 29, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |publisher=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Reuters]]}}</ref>
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On August 11, 2022, Gotham FC fired head coach [[Scott Parkinson]] following a {{win-loss record|w=4|d=0|l=8}} start to the 2022 season and announced an immediate search for a new coach to be hired for the 2023 season.<ref name="parkinson-out">{{cite news |url=https://theathletic.com/3498443/2022/08/11/scott-parkinson-fired-gotham-fc/ |title=Gotham FC fires Scott Parkinson after 4-0-8 start to season |date=August 11, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |publisher=[[The Athletic]]}}</ref>
On August 11, 2022, Gotham FC fired head coach [[Scott Parkinson]] following a {{win-loss record|w=4|d=0|l=8}} start to the 2022 season and announced an immediate search for a new coach to be hired for the 2023 season.<ref name="parkinson-out">{{cite news |url=https://theathletic.com/3498443/2022/08/11/scott-parkinson-fired-gotham-fc/ |title=Gotham FC fires Scott Parkinson after 4-0-8 start to season |date=August 11, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |publisher=[[The Athletic]]}}</ref>


After finishing the 2022 season in last place, Gotham FC appointed [[Juan Carlos Amoros|Juan Carlos Amóros]] as the new head coach.<ref name="amoros-in">{{cite news |url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1245806|title=NJ/NY Gotham FC Names Juan Carlos Amorós Head Coach |date=November 1, 2022 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=NJ/NY Gotham FC}}</ref> In the NWSL Draft, Gotham FC made several trades to acquire [[Paige Monaghan]] and [[Lynn Williams (soccer)|Lynn Williams]] before drafting [[Jenna Nighswonger]] with the 4th pick in the NWSL Draft.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/lists/nwsl-draft-2023-picks-players-trades/ |title=Every pick, trade, and move from 2023 NWSL draft |date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> Prior to the start of the season, veteran defender [[Ali Krieger]] announced that she would be retiring at the end of the 2023 NWSL season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/03/former-uswnt-defender-ali-krieger-announces-retirement-from-pro-soccer-at-end-of-2023-nwsl-season |title=FORMER USWNT DEFENDER ALI KRIEGER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM PROFESSIONAL SOCCER AT END OF 2023 NWSL SEASON |date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=[[US Soccer]]}}</ref> Gotham FC finished the regular season in 6th place, securing the final playoff spot on the last day of the season. In the playoffs, Gotham FC defeated [[North Carolina Courage]] 0-3 and [[Portland Thorns FC]] 0-1 to advance to their first ever NWSL Championship Game. On November 11, 2023, Gotham FC won their first NWSL Championship, the team's first title since the 2009 WPS Championship, by a score of 1-2 over [[OL Reign]] with first half goals by [[Lynn Williams (soccer)|Lynn Williams]] and [[Esther Gonzalez]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/gotham-fc-win-nwsl-championship-over-ol-reign-in-final-games-for-rapinoe-victorious-krieger |title=Gotham FC win NWSL Championship over OL Reign in final games for Rapinoe, victorious Krieger |date=November 12, 2023 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref>
After finishing the 2022 season in last place, Gotham FC appointed [[Juan Carlos Amoros|Juan Carlos Amóros]] as the new head coach.<ref name="amoros-in">{{cite news |url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1245806|title=NJ/NY Gotham FC Names Juan Carlos Amorós Head Coach |date=November 1, 2022 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=NJ/NY Gotham FC}}</ref> In the NWSL Draft, Gotham FC made several trades to acquire [[Paige Monaghan]] and [[Lynn Williams (soccer)|Lynn Williams]] before drafting [[Jenna Nighswonger]] with the 4th pick in the NWSL Draft.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/lists/nwsl-draft-2023-picks-players-trades/ |title=Every pick, trade, and move from 2023 NWSL draft |date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> Prior to the start of the season, veteran defender [[Ali Krieger]] announced that she would be retiring at the end of the 2023 NWSL season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/03/former-uswnt-defender-ali-krieger-announces-retirement-from-pro-soccer-at-end-of-2023-nwsl-season |title=FORMER USWNT DEFENDER ALI KRIEGER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM PROFESSIONAL SOCCER AT END OF 2023 NWSL SEASON |date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=[[US Soccer]]}}</ref> Gotham FC finished the regular season in 6th place, securing the final playoff spot on the last day of the season. In the playoffs, Gotham FC defeated [[North Carolina Courage]] 0-3 and [[Portland Thorns FC]] 0–1 to advance to their first ever NWSL Championship Game. On November 11, 2023, Gotham FC won their first NWSL Championship, the team's first title since the 2009 WPS Championship, by a score of 1–2 over [[OL Reign]] with first half goals by [[Lynn Williams (soccer)|Lynn Williams]] and [[Esther Gonzalez]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/gotham-fc-win-nwsl-championship-over-ol-reign-in-final-games-for-rapinoe-victorious-krieger |title=Gotham FC win NWSL Championship over OL Reign in final games for Rapinoe, victorious Krieger |date=November 12, 2023 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=[[NBC Sports]]}}</ref>

In the 2024 season, Gotham finished 3rd in the league, defeating [[Portland Thorns FC]] in the quarterfinals 2-1. In the semifinals, Gotham faced the [[Washington Spirit]], in this match goals from [[Esther González|Esther]] and [[Hal Hershfelt]] sent the match to penalties, where Gotham lost, 3-0.<ref>{{Cite web |last=More |first=Maggie |last2=McDonough |first2=Heather |last3=Fa • • |first3=Gio Del |date=2024-11-16 |title=Washington Spirit beat Gotham FC, move on to NWSL Championship |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/washington-spirit-beat-gotham-fc-move-on-to-nwsl-championship/3771074/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=NBC4 Washington |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Colors and crest==
==Colors and crest==
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|{{Football kit box|pattern_la=|pattern_b=_sbfc_20h|pattern_ra=|pattern_so=_|leftarm=080808|body=080808|rightarm=080808|shorts=080808|socks=90bbee|alt=|title=<div align="center">Black and sky blue were adopted as the club's colors in 2020</div>}}
|{{Football kit box|pattern_la=|pattern_b=_sbfc_20h|pattern_ra=|pattern_so=_|leftarm=080808|body=080808|rightarm=080808|shorts=080808|socks=90bbee|alt=|title=<div align="center">Black and sky blue were adopted as the club's colors in 2020</div>}}
|{{Football kit box|body=000000|pattern_b=_goth21h|shorts=000000|socks=000000|alt=Football kit (black jersey with a light blue sash running diagonally from top right to bottom left; black shorts; and black socks)|title=The inaugural Gotham FC home kit used in 2021–2022, known as the Colossal Kit.|leftarm=000000|rightarm=000000}}
|{{Football kit box|body=000000|pattern_b=_goth21h|shorts=000000|socks=000000|alt=Football kit (black jersey with a light blue sash running diagonally from top right to bottom left; black shorts; and black socks)|title=The inaugural Gotham FC home kit used in 2021–2022, known as the Colossal Kit.|leftarm=000000|rightarm=000000}}
|{{Football kit box|body=070707|pattern_b=_goth23h|shorts=070707|socks=070707|alt=Football kit (black jersey with several light blue lightning bolts running vertically across the torso; black shorts; and black socks)|title=Gotham FC's current kit, first worn in the 2023 season|leftarm=070707|rightarm=070707}}
|{{Football kit box|body=070707|pattern_b=_goth23h|shorts=070707|socks=070707|alt=Football kit (black jersey with several light blue lightning bolts running vertically across the torso; black shorts; and black socks)|title=Gotham FC 2023 kit|leftarm=070707|rightarm=070707}}
|}
|}


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* [[TD Bank Ballpark]] (2 games, 2009)
* [[TD Bank Ballpark]] (2 games, 2009)
* [[MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field]] (2 games in 2020)
* [[MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field]] (2 games in 2020)
*[[Red Bull Arena (New Jersey)|Red Bull Arena]] (2 games in 2019, 2020–present)
*[[Sports Illustrated Stadium]] (2 games in 2019, 2020–present)


==Supporters==
==Supporters==
Cloud 9 is the official supporters group of Gotham FC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skybluefc.com/cloud-9-official-sky-blue-fc-supporters-club/|title=Cloud 9 – Official Sky Blue FC Supporters Group|access-date=May 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521085100/http://www.skybluefc.com/cloud-9-official-sky-blue-fc-supporters-club/|archive-date=May 21, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> They stand in the supporters' section for home games (Section 101 of Red Bull Arena, behind the right-side goal), and travel to road games, singing songs and chants throughout the game.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cloud 9 Supporters Club – About|url=https://cloud9sc.com/about.html|access-date=2021-04-13|website=cloud9sc.com}}</ref> During the team's tenure at Yurcak Field, Cloud 9 stood and supported from Section 9 during home games.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sky Blue FC – FAQ|url=https://skybluefc.com/faq/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811093939/https://skybluefc.com/faq/|archive-date=August 11, 2020|access-date=April 13, 2021}}</ref>
Cloud 9 is the official supporters group of Gotham FC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skybluefc.com/cloud-9-official-sky-blue-fc-supporters-club/|title=Cloud 9 – Official Sky Blue FC Supporters Group|access-date=May 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521085100/http://www.skybluefc.com/cloud-9-official-sky-blue-fc-supporters-club/|archive-date=May 21, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> They stand in the supporters' section for home games (Section 101 of Red Bull Arena, behind the south-side goal), and travel to road games, singing songs and chants throughout the game.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cloud 9 Supporters Club – About|url=https://cloud9sc.com/about.html|access-date=2021-04-13|website=cloud9sc.com}}</ref> During the team's tenure at Yurcak Field, Cloud 9 stood and supported from Section 9 during home games.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sky Blue FC – FAQ|url=https://skybluefc.com/faq/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811093939/https://skybluefc.com/faq/|archive-date=August 11, 2020|access-date=April 13, 2021}}</ref>


==Players and staff==
==Players and staff==
===Current squad===
===Current squad===
{{updated|March 15, 2024|.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1303938 |title=Gotham FC Announces Roster for 2024 Season |date=March 13, 2024 |website=Gotham FC}}</ref>}}
{{updated|December 20, 2024|.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1303938 |title=Gotham FC Announces Roster for 2024 Season |date=March 13, 2024 |website=Gotham FC}}</ref>}}
<!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Do NOT add new players before their signing is officially announced by the club (acquired rights / draftees are not signings);
-- Do NOT add new players before their signing is officially announced by the club (acquired rights / draftees are not signings);
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{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
! style="background:#202121; color:#AFDBF5; border:2px solid #AFDBF5;" scope="col" | {{Abbr|No.|Squad number}}
! style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;" scope="col" | {{Abbr|No.|Squad number}}
! style="background:#202121; color:#AFDBF5; border:2px solid #AFDBF5;" scope="col" | {{Abbr|Pos.|Position}}
! style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;" scope="col" | {{Abbr|Pos.|Position}}
! style="background:#202121; color:#AFDBF5; border:2px solid #AFDBF5;" scope="col" | Player
! style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;" scope="col" | Player
! style="background:#202121; color:#AFDBF5; border:2px solid #AFDBF5;" scope="col" | {{Abbr|Nation|FIFA nationality}}
! style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;" scope="col" | {{Abbr|Nation|FIFA nationality}}
|-
|-
{{Fs player2 sort |no=1 |pos=GK |nat=USA |first=Michelle |last=Betos}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=1 |pos=GK |nat=USA |first=Michelle |last=Betos |other=Captain}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=2 |pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Jenna |last=Nighswonger}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=3 |pos=DF |nat=BRA |first= |last=Bruninha}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=3 |pos=DF |nat=BRA |first= |last=Bruninha}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=4 |pos=GK |nat=USA |first=Abby |last=Smith}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=4 |pos=GK |nat=USA |first=Abby |last=Smith}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=5 |pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Kelley |last=O'Hara |other=Captain}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=6 |pos=MF |nat=USA |first=Emily|last=Sonnett}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=6 |pos=MF |nat=USA |first=Emily|last=Sonnett}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=7 |pos=MF |nat=USA |first=McCall |last=Zerboni}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=7 |pos=MF |nat=USA |first=McCall |last=Zerboni}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=8 |pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Taryn |last=Torres}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=8 |pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Taryn |last=Torres}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=9 |pos=FW |nat=ESP |first=Esther |last=González}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=9 |pos=FW |nat=ESP |first=Esther |last=González}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=10 |pos=FW |nat=USA |first=Lynn |last=Williams |dab=Lynn Williams (soccer)}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=13 |pos=FW |nat=USA |first=Ella|last=Stevens}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=12 |pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Kristen |last=Edmonds}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=14 |pos=MF |nat=USA |first=Nealy |last=Martin}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=14 |pos=MF |nat=USA |first=Nealy |last=Martin}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=15 |pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Tierna|last=Davidson}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=15 |pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Tierna|last=Davidson}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=16 |pos=MF |nat=USA |first=Rose|last=Lavelle}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=16 |pos=MF |nat=USA |first=Rose|last=Lavelle}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=17 |pos=MF |nat=USA |first=Delanie |last=Sheehan}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=18 |pos=MF |nat=USA |first=Yazmeen |last=Ryan}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=18 |pos=MF |nat=USA |first=Yazmeen |last=Ryan}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=19 |pos=FW |nat=USA |first=Crystal|last=Dunn}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=19 |pos=FW |nat=USA |first=Crystal|last=Dunn}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=20 |pos=FW |nat=USA |first=Taylor |last=Smith |dab=Taylor Smith (soccer)}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=20 |pos=FW |nat=POR |first=Jéssica |last=Silva}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=21 |pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Sam|last=Hiatt}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=22 |pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Mandy |last=Freeman}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=22 |pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Mandy |last=Freeman}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=23 |pos=FW |nat=USA |first=Margaret |last=Purce}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=23 |pos=FW |nat=USA |first=Margaret |last=Purce}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=25 |pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Maycee|last=Bell}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=24 |pos=FW |nat=USA |first=Cece|last=Kizer}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=28 |pos=FW |nat=USA |first=Katie |last=Stengel}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=27 |pos=DF |nat=ENG |first=Jess|last=Carter}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=2 |pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Jenna |last=Nighswonger}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=30 |pos=GK |nat=GER |first=Ann-Katrin |last=Berger}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=33 |pos=MF |nat=IRL |first=Sinead |last=Farrelly}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no= |pos=MF |nat=USA |first=Jaelin |last=Howell}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=38 |pos=GK |nat=USA |first=Cassie|last=Miller}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=77 |pos=DF |nat=ESP |first= Maitane |last=López}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no=13 |pos=FW |nat=USA |first=Ella|last=Stevens}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no= |pos=FW |nat=ISL |first=Svava Rós|last=Guðmundsdóttir}}
{{Fs player2 sort |no= |pos=GK |nat=USA |first=Erin |last=McKinney}}
|}
|}


Line 234: Line 230:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! colspan=2 style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" | Front office
! colspan=2 style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;" | Front office
|-
|-
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" | Position
!style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;" | Position
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" | Name
!style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;" | Name
|-
|-
|General manager<br/>Head of soccer operations || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Yael Averbuch West]]
|General manager<br/>Head of soccer operations || {{flagicon|USA}} [[Yael Averbuch West]]
Line 243: Line 239:
|Acting president || {{flagicon|USA}} Nan Vogel
|Acting president || {{flagicon|USA}} Nan Vogel
|-
|-
! colspan=2 style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" | Technical staff
! colspan=2 style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;" | Technical staff
|-
|-
| Head coach || {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Juan Carlos Amorós]]
| Head coach || {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Juan Carlos Amorós]]
Line 262: Line 258:
|Strength and conditioning coach || {{flagicon|ESP}} Adrián Benítez Jiménez
|Strength and conditioning coach || {{flagicon|ESP}} Adrián Benítez Jiménez
|-
|-
! colspan=2 style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" | Medical staff
! colspan=2 style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;" | Medical staff
|-
|-
|Chief medical officer || Dr. Oscar Vazquez
|Chief medical officer || Dr. Oscar Vazquez
Line 270: Line 266:


===Head coaches===
===Head coaches===
{{updated|November 1, 2022}}
{{updated|November 11, 2023}}
Only competitive matches{{efn|Includes regular season, playoffs, and domestic cups}} are counted. Wins, losses, and draws are results at the final whistle; the results of [[Penalty shootout (association football)|penalty shootouts]] are not counted.
Only competitive matches{{efn|Includes regular season, playoffs, and domestic cups}} are counted. Wins, losses, and draws are results at the final whistle; the results of [[Penalty shootout (association football)|penalty shootouts]] are not counted.
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
!rowspan="2" style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|Name
!rowspan="2" style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;"|Name
!rowspan="2" style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|Nationality
!rowspan="2" style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;"|Nationality
!rowspan="2" style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|From
!rowspan="2" style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;"|From
!rowspan="2" style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|Until
!rowspan="2" style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;"|Until
!colspan="8" class="unsortable" style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|Record
!colspan="8" class="unsortable" style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;"|Record
!rowspan="2" style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|Honors
!rowspan="2" style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;"|Honors
|-
|-
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|P|Games played}}
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000;"|{{abbr|P|Games played}}
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|W|Games won}}
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000;"|{{abbr|W|Games won}}
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|D|Games drawn}}
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000;"|{{abbr|D|Games drawn}}
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|L|Games lost}}
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000;"|{{abbr|L|Games lost}}
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|GF|Goals for}}
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000;"|{{abbr|GF|Goals for}}
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|GA|Goals against}}
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000;"|{{abbr|GA|Goals against}}
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|GD|Goal difference}}
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000;"|{{abbr|GD|Goal difference}}
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|Win %|Win percentage}}
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000;"|{{abbr|Win %|Win percentage}}
|-
|-
|[[Ian Sawyers]]
|[[Ian Sawyers]]
Line 324: Line 320:
|
|
|-
|-
|[[Jim Gabarra]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2010/10/07/jim-gabarra-hired-as-sky-blue-fc-head-coachtechnical-director/|title=Jim Gabarra Hired as Sky Blue FC Head Coach/Technical Director|author=Sky Blue FC|website=Skybluefc.com|date=October 7, 2010|access-date=July 6, 2020}}</ref>
|[[Jim Gabarra]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2010/10/07/jim-gabarra-hired-as-sky-blue-fc-head-coachtechnical-director/|title=Jim Gabarra Hired as Sky Blue FC Head Coach/Technical Director|author=Sky Blue FC|website=Skybluefc.com|date=October 7, 2010|access-date=July 6, 2020|archive-date=July 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706052309/https://skybluefc.com/2010/10/07/jim-gabarra-hired-as-sky-blue-fc-head-coachtechnical-director/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|{{flagicon|USA}}
|{{flagicon|USA}}
|October 7, 2010
|October 7, 2010
Line 331: Line 327:
|
|
|-
|-
|[[Christy Holly]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2016/01/13/sky-blue-fc-promotes-christy-holly-to-head-coach/|title=Sky Blue FC Promotes Christy Holly to Head Coach|author=Sky Blue FC|website=Skybluefc.com|date=January 13, 2016|access-date=July 6, 2020}}</ref>
|[[Christy Holly]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2016/01/13/sky-blue-fc-promotes-christy-holly-to-head-coach/|title=Sky Blue FC Promotes Christy Holly to Head Coach|author=Sky Blue FC|website=Skybluefc.com|date=January 13, 2016|access-date=July 6, 2020|archive-date=July 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706053810/https://skybluefc.com/2016/01/13/sky-blue-fc-promotes-christy-holly-to-head-coach/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|{{flagicon|NIR}}
|{{flagicon|NIR}}
|January 13, 2016
|January 13, 2016
Line 366: Line 362:
|
|
|-
|-
|[[Freya Coombe]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/07/03/profile-freya-coombe-enters-first-season-as-sky-blue-fc-head-coach/|title=Profile Freya Coombe Enters First Season As Sky Blue FC Head Coach|last=Turner|first=Morgan|website=Skybluefc.com|date=July 3, 2020|access-date=July 6, 2020}}</ref>
|[[Freya Coombe]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/07/03/profile-freya-coombe-enters-first-season-as-sky-blue-fc-head-coach/|title=Profile Freya Coombe Enters First Season As Sky Blue FC Head Coach|last=Turner|first=Morgan|website=Skybluefc.com|date=July 3, 2020|access-date=July 6, 2020|archive-date=July 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706104458/https://skybluefc.com/2020/07/03/profile-freya-coombe-enters-first-season-as-sky-blue-fc-head-coach/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|{{flagicon|ENG}}
|December 17, 2019
|December 17, 2019
Line 398: Line 394:
===Club captains===
===Club captains===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" |'''Period'''
! style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;" |'''Period'''
! style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" |'''Name'''
! style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;" |'''Name'''
|-
|-
|2009–2010
|2009–2010
Line 433: Line 429:
* '''[[NWSL Championship]]'''
* '''[[NWSL Championship]]'''
** '''Champions''' (1): [[2023 National Women's Soccer League season|2023]]
** '''Champions''' (1): [[2023 National Women's Soccer League season|2023]]
'''National cup(s): (0)'''
'''League cup(s): (0)'''
*'''[[NWSL Challenge Cup]]
*'''[[NWSL Challenge Cup]]'''
**''Runners-up'' (2): [[2021 NWSL Challenge Cup|2021]], [[2024 NWSL Challenge Cup|2024]]
**''Runners-up'' (2): [[2021 NWSL Challenge Cup|2021]], [[2024 NWSL Challenge Cup|2024]]
*'''[[NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup]]'''
**''Runners-up'' (1): [[2024 NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup|2024]]

===International competitions===
===International competitions===
'''Invitational cups: (1)'''
'''Invitational cup(s): (1)'''
* '''[[The Women's Cup]]'''
* '''[[The Women's Cup]]'''
** '''Champions''' (1): [[2024 The Women's Cup Final|2024]]
** '''Champions''' (1): [[2024 The Women's Cup Final|2024]]
Line 446: Line 445:
===Year-by-year===
===Year-by-year===
{{see also|National Women's Soccer League attendance}}
{{see also|National Women's Soccer League attendance}}
{{updated|November 5, 2023}}
{{updated|November 2, 2024}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;
|-
|-
!rowspan=2 style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Season
!rowspan=2 style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD" scope=col|Season
!colspan=9 style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD"|Regular season
!colspan=9 style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD"|Regular season
!rowspan=2 style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope="col"|Playoffs
!rowspan=2 style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD" scope="col"|Playoffs
!rowspan=2 style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope="col"|[[NWSL Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]]
!rowspan=2 style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD" scope="col"|[[NWSL Challenge Cup|<span style="color:#FFF;">Challenge Cup</span>]]
!rowspan=2 style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD"|Avg. attendance
!rowspan=2 style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD" scope="col"|[[NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup|<span style="color:#FFF;">Summer Cup</span>]]
!rowspan=2 style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD" scope="col"|[[CONCACAF W Champions Cup|<span style="color:#FFF;">Champions Cup</span>]]
!rowspan=2 style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD"|Avg. attendance
|-
|-
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|League
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000" scope=col|League
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|P
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000" scope=col|P
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|W
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000" scope=col|W
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|D
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000" scope=col|D
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|L
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000" scope=col|L
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|F
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000" scope=col|F
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|A
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000" scope=col|A
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Pts
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000" scope=col|Pts
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Pos
!style="background:#A9F1FD; color:#000" scope=col|Pos
|-
|-
!scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2009 Sky Blue FC season|2009]]
!scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2009 Sky Blue FC season|2009]]
Line 477: Line 478:
|bgcolor=gold|'''[[2009 Women's Professional Soccer Playoffs|Champions]]'''
|bgcolor=gold|'''[[2009 Women's Professional Soccer Playoffs|Champions]]'''
|rowspan=10|''Not held''
|rowspan=10|''Not held''
|rowspan=14|''Not held''
|rowspan=14|''Not held''
|3,651
|3,651
|-
|-
Line 575: Line 578:
|52
|52
|9
|9
|style=background:#FFCCCC | 9th
|9th
|2,532
|2,532
|-
|-
Line 621: Line 624:
|46
|46
|13
|13
|style=background:#FFCCCC | 12th
|12th
|DNQ
|DNQ
|[[2022 NWSL Challenge Cup#East Division|Group stage]]
|[[2022 NWSL Challenge Cup#East Division|Group stage]]
Line 640: Line 643:
|[[2023 NWSL Challenge Cup#East Division|Group stage]]
|[[2023 NWSL Challenge Cup#East Division|Group stage]]
|6,293
|6,293



|-
|-
!scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2024 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2024]]
!scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2024 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2024]]
|[[National Women's Soccer League|NWSL]]
|[[National Women's Soccer League|NWSL]]
|0
|26
|0
|17
|0
|5
|0
|4
|0
|41
|0
|20
|0
|56
|bgcolor=CFAA88| 3rd
|
|[[NWSL playoffs#2024 season|Semi-finals]]
|
|bgcolor=silver|[[2024 NWSL Challenge Cup|Runners-up]]
|bgcolor=silver|[[2024 NWSL Challenge Cup|Runners-up]]
|bgcolor=silver|[[2024 NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup|Runners-up]]
|
| -
| style="background:#dfd;" | 8,550
|}
|}
{{notelist}}
{{notelist}}
Line 663: Line 667:
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center;"
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Players with most appearances for Gotham FC
|+Players with most appearances for Gotham FC
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Rank
!style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD" scope=col|Rank
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Player
!style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD" scope=col|Player
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Years
!style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD" scope=col|Years
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|League{{efn|includes WPS & NWSL, regular season and playoffs.}}
!style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD" scope=col|League{{efn|includes WPS & NWSL, regular season and playoffs.}}
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Cup
!style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD" scope=col|Cup
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Total
!style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD" scope=col|Total
|-
|-
|1
|1
Line 733: Line 737:
|-
|-
|10
|10
|'''[[Kelley O'Hara]]'''
|[[Kelley O'Hara]]
|2013–2017<br />2023-
|2013–2017<br />2023-
|75
|75
Line 747: Line 751:
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center;"
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
|-
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Rank
!style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD" scope=col|Rank
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Player
!style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD" scope=col|Player
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Years
!style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD" scope=col|Years
!style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Goals
!style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD" scope=col|Goals
|-
|-
|1
|1
Line 772: Line 776:
|'''15''' ''(58)''
|'''15''' ''(58)''
|-
|-
|!scope=row|'''[[Kelley O'Hara]]'''
|!scope=row|[[Kelley O'Hara]]
|2013–2017
|2013–2017
|'''15''' ''(75)''
|'''15''' ''(75)''
|-
|-
|6
|6
|!scope=row|'''[[Ifeoma Onumonu]]'''
|!scope=row|[[Ifeoma Onumonu]]
|2020–2023
|2020–
|'''14''' ''(60)''
|'''14''' ''(60)''
|-
|-
Line 854: Line 858:
{{updated|the 2023 season.}}
{{updated|the 2023 season.}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
! style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" | Season
! style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;" | Season
! style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" | {{abbr|Nat.|Nationality}}
! style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;" | {{abbr|Nat.|Nationality}}
! style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" | Player
! style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;" | Player
! style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" | Goals
! style="background:#000000; color:#FFFFFF; border:2px solid #A9F1FD;" | Goals
|-
|-
|[[2009 Sky Blue FC season|2009]]
|[[2009 Sky Blue FC season|2009]]
Line 878: Line 882:
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[2014 Sky Blue FC season|2014]]
|rowspan="2"|[[2014 Sky Blue FC season|2014]]
|{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | '''{{sn|Kelley|O'Hara}}'''
|{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | {{sn|Kelley|O'Hara}}
| align="center" rowspan="2"|7
| align="center" rowspan="2"|7
|-
|-
Line 913: Line 917:
| align="center" rowspan="2"|3
| align="center" rowspan="2"|3
|-
|-
|{{flagicon|NGA}} || align="left" | '''{{sn|Ifeoma|Onumonu}}'''
|{{flagicon|NGA}} || align="left" | {{sn|Ifeoma|Onumonu}}
|-
|-
|[[2021 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2021]]
|[[2021 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2021]]
Line 927: Line 931:
|{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | '''{{sn|McCall|Zerboni}}'''
|{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | '''{{sn|McCall|Zerboni}}'''
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[2023 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2023]]
| [[2023 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2023]]
|{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | '''{{sn|Lynn|Williams|Lynn Williams (soccer)}}'''
| {{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | '''{{sn|Lynn|Williams|Lynn Williams (soccer)}}'''
| align="center" rowspan="7"|7
| align="center" | 7
|}
|}


== Broadcasting ==
== Broadcasting ==
{{see also|National Women's Soccer League#Broadcasting}}
{{see also|National Women's Soccer League#Broadcasting}}
Starting in April 2017, Sky Blue FC games were streamed exclusively by [[Go90]] for American audiences and via the NWSL website for international viewers.<ref name="sbn-streaming">{{cite web|title=NWSL, go90 announce exclusive streaming partnership|url=http://www.blackandredunited.com/washington-spirit-womens-soccer/2017/4/13/15282800/nwsl-streaming-go90-2017|website=Black and Red United (SBNation)|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=April 14, 2017}}</ref> For the 2017 season, the team was featured in the nationally televised [[Lifetime (TV network)|Lifetime]] ''NWSL Game of the Week'' broadcasts on May 13, May 20, July 1, and August 12, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime schedule|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/nwsl-game-of-the-week-on-lifetime-schedule|publisher=National Women's Soccer League|access-date=April 26, 2017|date=April 16, 2017}}</ref>
Starting in April 2017, Sky Blue FC games were streamed exclusively by [[Go90]] for American audiences and via the NWSL website for international viewers.<ref name="sbn-streaming">{{cite web|title=NWSL, go90 announce exclusive streaming partnership|url=http://www.blackandredunited.com/washington-spirit-womens-soccer/2017/4/13/15282800/nwsl-streaming-go90-2017|website=Black and Red United (SBNation)|date=April 13, 2017 |publisher=Vox Media|access-date=April 14, 2017}}</ref> For the 2017 season, the team was featured in the nationally televised [[Lifetime (TV network)|Lifetime]] ''NWSL Game of the Week'' broadcasts on May 13, May 20, July 1, and August 12, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime schedule|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/nwsl-game-of-the-week-on-lifetime-schedule|publisher=National Women's Soccer League|access-date=April 26, 2017|date=April 16, 2017}}</ref>


Previous seasons' matches were streamed live on [[YouTube]], available around the world. The announcers were Corey Cohen on play-by-play and Dan Lauletta on color commentary with Evan Davis hosting the halftime show and NJ Discover handling production.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.empireofsoccer.com/sky-blue-announces-broadcast-team-for-2016-nwsl-season-44571/|title=Sky Blue Announces Broadcast Team for 2016 NWSL season|website=Empire of Soccer|access-date=January 3, 2017|archive-date=October 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026003202/http://www.empireofsoccer.com/sky-blue-announces-broadcast-team-for-2016-nwsl-season-44571/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Previous seasons' matches were streamed live on [[YouTube]], available around the world. The announcers were Corey Cohen on play-by-play and Dan Lauletta on color commentary with Evan Davis hosting the halftime show and NJ Discover handling production.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.empireofsoccer.com/sky-blue-announces-broadcast-team-for-2016-nwsl-season-44571/|title=Sky Blue Announces Broadcast Team for 2016 NWSL season|website=Empire of Soccer|access-date=January 3, 2017|archive-date=October 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026003202/http://www.empireofsoccer.com/sky-blue-announces-broadcast-team-for-2016-nwsl-season-44571/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


The NWSL announced that it has entered into a [[National Women's Soccer League on television|three-year media agreement]] with [[CBS Sports]] and the video game-oriented streaming service [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]] on March 11, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=Stephanie |date=2020-03-11 |title=NWSL announces broadcast and streaming deal with CBS and Twitch |url=https://www.allforxi.com/2020/3/11/21174922/nwsl-announces-broadcast-streaming-deal-cbs-twitch |access-date=2023-06-07 |website=All For XI |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=v9bet |url=https://v9betasia.in/ |access-date=7 June 2023}}</ref>
The NWSL announced that it has entered into a [[National Women's Soccer League on television|three-year media agreement]] with [[CBS Sports]] and the video game-oriented streaming service [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]] on March 11, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=Stephanie |date=2020-03-11 |title=NWSL announces broadcast and streaming deal with CBS and Twitch |url=https://www.allforxi.com/2020/3/11/21174922/nwsl-announces-broadcast-streaming-deal-cbs-twitch |access-date=2023-06-07 |website=All For XI |language=en}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 953: Line 957:
{{Commons category|NJ/NY Gotham FC}}
{{Commons category|NJ/NY Gotham FC}}
* {{Official website|https://www.gothamfc.com/}}
* {{Official website|https://www.gothamfc.com/}}
* [http://cloud9sc.com/ Cloud 9 – Sky Blue FC Supporters Group]
* [http://cloud9sc.com/ Cloud 9] – Sky Blue FC Supporters Group


{{Sky Blue FC}}
{{Sky Blue FC}}

Latest revision as of 19:38, 21 December 2024

Gotham FC
Gotham FC crest. The crest is shield-shaped and is black with light blue lettering and accents. The top of the shield is a graphic depiction of the Statue of Liberty's crown. In the centre of the crest are letters which can be read as either "NJ" or "NY", with a line through the "Y" which makes it legible as both a "Y" and a "J".
Full nameNJ/NY Gotham Football Club
Nickname(s)The Goths
The Bats[1]
Founded2006; 18 years ago (2006), as Jersey Sky Blue
StadiumSports Illustrated Stadium
Harrison, New Jersey
Capacity25,000
OwnersPhil and Tammy Murphy
Carolyn Tisch Blodgett
Steven H. Temares
Kristin Bernert
Eli Manning
Sue Bird
Karen Bryant
Bobby Cho
Ed Nalbandian[2]
ChairTammy Murphy
Head coachJuan Carlos Amorós
LeagueNational Women's Soccer League
2024Regular season: 3rd of 14
Playoffs: Semifinals
Websitehttps://www.gothamfc.com/
Current season

NJ/NY Gotham Football Club is an American professional women's soccer team based in the New York metropolitan area that competes in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Founded in 2006 as Jersey Sky Blue, the team was known as Sky Blue FC from 2008 until 2020. A founding member of the NWSL in 2013, Sky Blue FC also played in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) from 2009 to 2011.

History

[edit]

2006–2008: Establishment

[edit]

Following the growth of women's soccer in the United States in the 1990s, the first attempt at a fully professional women's league, the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA), was founded in 2000.[3] However, after playing just three seasons the WUSA folded in 2003.[3] Almost immediately following the folding of the WUSA, attempts were made to relaunch the league, although each of these initially came to naught. Finally, in December 2006, an agreement was reached to establish a new professional women's league, consisting of teams from Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., as well as an undetermined sixth city located somewhere in the Western United States.[4] Originally planned to begin play in 2008, the launch of this new league, dubbed Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), was subsequently pushed back to 2009.[5] Boston and the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area were also selected to host clubs to participate in the inaugural WPS season.[5]

Sky Blue FC was originally founded in 2006 as Jersey Sky Blue, playing in the USL W-League in 2007,[6] a semi-professional league that served as part of the second division of women's soccer in the United States. Future governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy and his wife Tammy Murphy were co-founders of the team,[7] alongside businessman Steven H. Temares, Francesco Prandoni[8] and Thomas Hofstetter.[9] The Murphys would later claim that their motivation in founding the club was as an example to their daughter, in order to prove that there was a viable pathway for women in the United States to play professional soccer.[7][10] By September 2007, the club had been selected to fulfill the New York/New Jersey slot in Women's Professional Soccer and rebranded as Sky Blue FC.[5] Following this move, the Jersey Sky Blue name initially remained in use for a feeder team in the W-League, although it later rebranded as the Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues. Co-founder Thomas Hofstetter, who served as president of Sky Blue FC until 2013, also served as chairman of the feeder team until their folding in 2010.[9] As of 2018, Phil Murphy was a majority shareholder of the team.[11]

Sky Blue FC named Ian Sawyers as its first head coach and general manager on March 5, 2008. However, it was not until September 9, 2008, that the New York/New Jersey outfit was officially unveiled under the name Sky Blue FC. One week later, the U.S. women's national team allocation took place with Heather O'Reilly, Natasha Kai, and Christie Pearce allocated to Sky Blue FC.[12]

On September 24, the 2008 WPS International Draft was held. Sky Blue FC drafted Australia national team forward Sarah Walsh in the first round, Brazil national team members Rosana and Ester in the second and third rounds respectively, finished with Canada national team midfielder Kelly Parker in the fourth round.[13] In addition to these picks, Sky Blue FC also named Australia national team midfielder Collette McCallum and England national team defender Anita Asante as post-draft discovery players on September 26, 2008, and October 2, 2008, respectively, and were awarded their WPS playing rights.

To further assign player rights, on October 6 the 2008 WPS General Draft took place. Sky Blue FC drafted Cori Alexander, Keeley Dowling, Kacey White, and Jenny Hammond.[14] Ian Sawyers closed out 2008 by choosing Kelly Lindsey to be his assistant coach on December 3.

The new year brought new players. On January 16, the 2009 WPS Draft was held. Sky Blue FC drafted Yael Averbuch, Meghan Schnur, Karen Bardsley, Christie Shaner, Julianne Sitch, Jen Buczkowski, Zhang Ouying, Mary Therese McDonnell, Mele French, and Fanta Cooper.[15]

2008–2020: Sky Blue FC

[edit]

2009–2011: Women's Professional Soccer

[edit]
Unlikely champions, 2009
[edit]

Sky Blue FC kicked off its inaugural season on April 5, 2009, dropping a 2–0 decision to Los Angeles Sol at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey. It played its next game at the venue before moving permanently to Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University.

Sky Blue FC battle in St. Louis during the 2009 postseason

The team stuttered to one win and two draws in their first six games, scoring only 3 goals in the process, before head coach and general manager Ian Sawyers was suspended indefinitely by the team for disagreements on May 23, 2009. He was eventually relieved of his duties as head coach and general manager on May 28, 2009. In his absence, Kelly Lindsey stepped in as the interim and slowly started to turn around Sky Blue FC's on-field fortunes. She was eventually permanently installed as head coach on June 19, 2009, by then General Manager Gerry Marrone.

Lindsey's time at the helm was short-lived as she abruptly resigned from her position on July 30, 2009. She had won five games and drawn three others in her twelve total matches before Christie Rampone was named the second interim of the year and third head coach overall by Marrone. Her position also included playing on the field and she was the first player/manager in WPS history. Rampone led Sky Blue FC into 4th position and secured the final playoff spot for the 2009 playoffs. Sky Blue FC upended both Washington Freedom and Saint Louis Athletica to make the championship game against Los Angeles Sol. A 16th minute Heather O'Reilly strike earned Sky Blue FC the championship on August 22, 2009, beating the Sol on their own home field of The Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

President Obama welcomed Sky Blue to the White House following their championship season.

Sky Blue's victory was seen as an upset,[16] and later described as "an all-time underdog story."[17] Sky Blue were later invited to the White House, where President Barack Obama hailed their success in the inaugural WPS season.[18]

Down to Earth, 2010–2011
[edit]

With two additional teams, Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence, joining the league for 2010, Sky Blue FC were destined to lose players from their championship-winning side. On September 15, the 2009 WPS Expansion Draft was held with Jen Buczkowski moving to Philadelphia and Noelle Keselica headed to Atlanta.

Sky Blue FC announced on September 29, 2009, that former Finnish National Team player Pauliina Miettinen would be head coach of the team for the 2010 season after completing her coaching duties with PK-35 Vantaa.

Sky Blue FC started its title defense on April 11, 2010, when it hosted the Chicago Red Stars at Yurcak Field. The team wasted little time in gaining its first goal on the young season, with forward Tasha Kai scoring on a fourth-minute strike to lead her team to an eventual 1–0 victory. Sky Blue FC found itself having some trouble tallying goals as the season progressed and held a 5–6–3 record when head coach Pauliina Miettinen was relieved of her duties. Immediately replacing her was assistant coach Rick Stainton, who led the team to a 2–4–4 record the rest of the way. After settling for three draws to conclude its sophomore campaign, Sky Blue FC finished the year in fifth place in the regular season standings and just missed the postseason.

The 2011 season marked the first at the helm by decorated women's soccer coach Jim Gabarra, who had spent the past decade with the Washington Freedom. Prior to the start of the regular season, Sky Blue FC headed to Turkey for the preseason, playing to the finals of the Alanya International Women's Tournament of Champions, where it fell to team partner LdB FC Malmö, 1–0. Also participating in the tournament were Russian side FK Energiya and Danish club Fortuna Hjørring (who Sky Blue FC defeated in a penalty shootout in the semifinals).

Sky Blue FC kicked off the WPS regular season on April 10, 2011, at Yurcak Field, playing the Philadelphia Independence to a 2–2 draw. The team then hit the road for three games, suffering three consecutive defeats, before returning home for a pair of wins. After two more draws and another victory, Sky Blue FC found itself amid the longest unbeaten streak in franchise history (five matches). The team kicked off that streak on May 21, 2011, with a 3–0 win over the Atlanta Beat, its then-largest margin of victory.

The club went 1–2 in its next three games before entering the final four matches of the regular season. After suffering defeats in each of those games, Sky Blue FC came up just short of the playoffs after finishing even with the Boston Breakers for the final postseason spot (Boston took the season tiebreaker).

After the WPS announced the suspension of the 2012 season, Sky Blue FC announced a partnership with the New Jersey Wildcats of the W-League, which included sharing coaching staff. [citation needed]

2013–2020: National Women's Soccer League

[edit]
Jim Gabarra era, 2013–2015
[edit]

In November 2012, it was announced that Sky Blue FC would be one of eight teams in a new women's professional soccer league sponsored by the United States Soccer Federation, the Canadian Soccer Association and the Mexican Football Federation.[19] The league, known as the National Women's Soccer League, began play in spring 2013.

Sky Blue FC's lineup before a game against the Washington Spirit during the 2013 season.

For the 2013 season, Sky Blue were allocated seven players from North American federations, including Kelley O'Hara, Jillian Loyden, Christie Rampone, and Sophie Schmidt.[20] On May 19, the club recorded their third consecutive victory and their fifth overall, marking the club's best-ever start to a season.[21] On June 1, 2013, the team extended their run of consecutive victories to five with a 5–1 win over the Boston Breakers at Yurcak Field. In so doing, Sky Blue became the first team to score five goals in a single match in the nascent National Women's Soccer League.[22] The team's form later slumped in the second half of the regular season, though Sky Blue ultimately finished in 4th place, earning a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2009.[23] Sky Blue were later eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, suffering a 2–0 defeat to the Western New York Flash.

The following season, Sky Blue failed to win any of their opening four matches.[24] After defeating the Boston Breakers on May 3, Sky Blue again went on a winless streak until June 25, when they secured a 2–1 victory over the Portland Thorns.[25] The 2014 season ended with a five-game win streak,[26] though this proved insufficient to overcome earlier poor form and Sky Blue finished the season in 6th place, failing to qualify for the playoffs.

The 2015 season was similarly marred by poor form. After winning their opening match of the season, Sky Blue went on a winless streak until July 11. The game marked the debut for Australian international Sam Kerr, who scored the winning goal.[27] Sky Blue ultimately finished the season in 8th place, having won only five games out of 20, and once more failing to qualify for the playoffs.

Following the 2015 season, head coach Jim Gabarra reached an agreement with Sky Blue to be released from his contract, having agreed terms to join the Washington Spirit.[28] Gabarra's assistant, Christy Holly, was later named his successor for the 2016 season.[29]

Christy Holly era, 2016–2017
[edit]

Sky Blue FC opened its 2016 season at Seattle Reign in thrilling fashion on Sunday, April 17, 2016, winning 2–1 and handing two-time defending NWSL Shield winner its first-ever home loss at Memorial Stadium. The Reign were unbeaten at Memorial Stadium over the previous two seasons[30] Sky Blue FC started six players who had never logged a single NWSL minute before that night.[31] By the end of the season they had racked up with 26 points in 7th place. Playing twenty games this season, they ended up with seven wins, eight losses, and five draws. They scored 24 goals and had 30 against them.[32] Sky Blue midfielder Raquel Rodríguez was named 2016 NWSL Rookie of the Year.[33]

After beginning with a 1–1 draw against Seattle Reign, the 2017 season got off to an uneven start. Sky Blue recorded alternating wins and losses in their next four games. Over the opening 18 matches of the season, Sky Blue recorded only two draws, compared to 7 wins and 9 defeats. Despite these results, Sky Blue were in 3rd place as late as July 15. Ultimately, in 2017, Sky Blue had its most successful season since 2014. They finished in sixth place, but were in playoff contention until mid September.[34] Despite these successes, head coach Christy Holly unexpectedly stepped down as coach on August 16, 2017.[35]

Instability, scandals, and rebuilding, 2017–2019
[edit]

Holly's departure was followed by veteran defender Christie Pearce announcing she would miss the remainder of the season due to injury on August 18.[36] Following Holly's abrupt departure, assistant manager Dave Hodgson was appointed interim head coach.[37]

On August 19, 2017, Sky Blue overcame a 3–0 deficit, to defeat the Seattle Reign 5–4. In that game Sam Kerr became the first player in NWSL history to score 4 goals in one game.[38] Kerr enjoyed a breakout season in 2017, she broke the single season goal scoring record by scoring 17 goals and won the golden boot. Kerr was also awarded the 2017 NWSL MVP award.[39]

Denise Reddy was appointed as the new head coach on November 15, 2017.[40] Sky Blue began the off-season by trading several of their key players. They dealt Taylor Lytle and USWNT defender Kelley O'Hara to the Utah Royals on December 29, 2017.[41] Then at the 2018 NWSL College Draft they traded Nikki Stanton and 2017 NWSL MVP Sam Kerr to the Chicago Red Stars.[42] Sky Blue received forward Katie Johnson and defender Rebekah Stott from the Seattle Reign in exchange for the rights to forward Caitlin Foord.[43] They also added two-time FIFA Player of the year Carli Lloyd in the trade for Sam Kerr.[42]

The results of the field were not good for Sky Blue as they finished in last place with a record of 1–17–6. They broke the NWSL record for the longest winless streak (23 games) as they didn't earn a victory until the final game of the season.[44]

During this time, the club was plagued with reports of poor off-field conditions. The training facilities lacked running water, working toilets, and showers, leading players to take post-game ice baths in garbage cans.[45] The team reneged on its promise to provide housing for some players, and those who were accommodated found the conditions unacceptable. Players had to cover broken windows with cardboard, and some were placed with host families who expected them to babysit.[46] Players also accused the club of also trying to cut travel costs at their expense. Players were forced into early check-outs at hotels, sometimes hours before they had to leave for a game. Between the poor training conditions and ownership they saw as distant, players started referring to Sky Blue as "a semi-pro team".[46]

These off-field issues, coupled with Sky Blue's poor results, led to the club being described as "falling apart, on the field and off".[47]

The 2018 season did include promising rookie seasons from Imani Dorsey and Savannah McCaskill. Dorsey scored 4 goals in 13 games and McCaskill had 3 goals and 3 assists.[48] Both players were voted as finalists for the 2018 NWSL Rookie of the year. Dorsey won the award, becoming the second Sky Blue player to win the award after Raquel Rodríguez won it in 2016.[49]

Following the disappointments of the preceding two seasons, the 2019 season got off to a poor start. Before the season even began, Hailie Mace and Julia Ashley declined to sign for the club despite being drafted, citing the team's mismanagement.[50] Sky Blue then failed to win any of their opening nine matches, drawing two and losing seven. Head coach Denise Reddy was subsequently relieved of her duties. At the time of her dismissal, Reddy had won only one of thirty-three matches in charge of the club.[51] Goalkeeping coach Hugo Macedo was named interim head coach following Reddy's dismissal. In his first game in charge, Macedo guided Sky Blue to a 2–1 win over the Chicago Red Stars, their first victory in an away game since September 2017.[52] Under Macedo, Sky Blue amassed a 4–2–4 record. However, on September 4, Macedo returned to his previous role of goalkeeping coach and was replaced as interim head coach by Freya Coombe.[53] Under Coombe, Sky Blue went on to win only one of their final five games of the season. Having had three head coaches in a single season for the second time, Sky Blue finished the 2019 season with a record of 5 wins, 5 draws, and 14 defeats. This saw them finish 8th in the table, ahead of only the Orlando Pride, and failing to qualify for the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

Off the field, in February co-owner and First Lady of New Jersey Tammy Murphy announced she would be taking an "active role" in the club.[54] In the same statement, Murphy announced that the club had taken steps to improve player housing, as well as relocating its administrative offices, and expanding the size of the club's staff.[54] Murphy also committed to improving Sky Blue's training facilities.[54] Longtime president and General Manager Tony Novo resigned in April, with reports alleging that Novo was forced out of the club.[55] Alyse LaHue, formerly General Manager of the Chicago Red Stars, was named interim GM following Novo's resignation. LaHue was later made permanent General Manager on September 3.[56]

In November 2019, Sky Blue announced that they had reached an agreement with Major League Soccer club the New York Red Bulls to play their home matches for the following season at Red Bull Arena.[57] In December, Freya Coombe's appointment as head coach was made permanent.[58]

A fresh start, 2020
[edit]

Following their previous announcement of a groundshare arrangement, in February 2020 Sky Blue announced that they had agreed a deal to share training facilities with the New York Red Bulls.[59] That same month, Ed Nalbandian joined the club as minority owner and was appointed Vice Chair.[60] Heading into the 2020 season, Sky Blue's off field developments over the preceding year were perceived as having turned around the club's culture.[61][62] The club also took steps to overhaul their roster, bringing in thirteen new players,[62] such as Mallory Pugh, McCall Zerboni, and Margaret Purce, for what was described as a "new-look Sky Blue."[63] These changes led to a belief that the club "was set to make leaps and bounds" and would "compete for playoff spots in due time."[64] The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic halted the new season's momentum before it could even begin, however. On March 12, the team's originally scheduled preseason was cancelled.[65] The start date of the 2020 NWSL season was also pushed back before being cancelled altogether and replaced by the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup.[66]

Veteran defender Caprice Dydasco, new arrival Pugh, and star midfielder Carli Lloyd were ruled out of the Challenge Cup through injury.[67] Midfielder Madison Tiernan also picked up an injury shortly before the start of the tournament.[68] These absences, coupled with the extensive changes that had been made to the club in a short space of time, led to Sky Blue entering the Challenge Cup as "the true underdog".[69] The truncated season was seen as pushing back the club's growth,[64] while at the same time the tournament was perceived as "more of a development opportunity."[62] Heading into the tournament, the team were perceived as least likely to reach the final.[70][69]

Following a 0–0 draw with the OL Reign in their opening game of the tournament and a 1–0 defeat to Utah Royals, Sky Blue recorded a 2–0 win over the Houston Dash, which saw them rise to 2nd in the table.[71] A subsequent 2–0 defeat to the North Carolina Courage saw them slump to 7th, and Sky Blue were pitted against 2nd place Washington Spirit in the quarter-final. The Spirit were perceived as the favorite for the match,[72] though Sky Blue ultimately advanced after winning 4–3 on penalties.[73] In the semi-final, Sky Blue were pitted against the Chicago Red Stars, who had finished as runners-up in the 2019 NWSL Championship. After conceding three goals in the opening 60 minutes, Sky Blue rallied courtesy of a late goal from Evelyne Viens and an effort by Purce which forced an own goal by Julie Ertz. However, Sky Blue were unable to overcome the deficit and the club were eliminated in a 3–2 defeat.[74] Despite these results, goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament by the media, being awarded the Golden Glove.[75] The Philadelphia Inquirer also wrote that Sky Blue's performance in the tournament "shows big potential for the future," and that "if general manager Alyse LaHue can keep her team's spine together, Sky Blue will enter 2021 with real potential to end its playoff drought."[76]

Following the conclusion of the Challenge Cup, the NWSL announced the continuation of the season with the NWSL Fall Series. Per the rules of the series, Sky Blue were drawn into a three-team regional pod with the Washington Spirit and Chicago Red Stars. Sky Blue opened the Fall Series with a 2–1 victory over the Washington Spirit at Segra Field on September 5,[77] though this was followed by a heavy 4–1 defeat to the Chicago Red Stars.[78] Sky Blue then suffered a 1–0 defeat to the Washington Spirit in their first home game of the season,[79] before closing out the Fall Series with a 3–1 victory at home over Chicago.[80] These results ultimately saw Sky Blue finish the Fall Series in fourth place, just one point behind the third-placed Washington Spirit.

2021–present: NJ/NY Gotham FC and NWSL Champions

[edit]

In April 2021, Sky Blue officially changed its name to Gotham FC,[81] "Gotham" being a nickname for New York City.[82][83] Carli Lloyd announced her retirement from professional soccer on August 16, 2021, indicating the current NJ/NY Gotham season would be her last season.[84] In September 2021, former Sky Blue player Nadia Nadim accused management of forging her signature on a contract extension so they could trade her to the Portland Thorns in early 2016.[85]

Lloyd joined the ownership group on April 27, 2022.[86] On May 4, 2022, NBA player Kevin Durant and investor Rich Kleiman announced their minority investment into Gotham FC via their investment company Thirty Five Ventures.[87] On July 29, 2022, WNBA player Sue Bird joined Gotham FC's ownership group as a minority owner, consultant, and advisor.[88] On August 10, 2022, Gotham FC announced the addition of former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and Giants chief commercial officer Pete Guelli to its ownership group as minority owners.[89][90] The investments raised the club's valuation to an estimated $40 million.[91]

On August 11, 2022, Gotham FC fired head coach Scott Parkinson following a 4–8–0 start to the 2022 season and announced an immediate search for a new coach to be hired for the 2023 season.[92]

After finishing the 2022 season in last place, Gotham FC appointed Juan Carlos Amóros as the new head coach.[93] In the NWSL Draft, Gotham FC made several trades to acquire Paige Monaghan and Lynn Williams before drafting Jenna Nighswonger with the 4th pick in the NWSL Draft.[94] Prior to the start of the season, veteran defender Ali Krieger announced that she would be retiring at the end of the 2023 NWSL season.[95] Gotham FC finished the regular season in 6th place, securing the final playoff spot on the last day of the season. In the playoffs, Gotham FC defeated North Carolina Courage 0-3 and Portland Thorns FC 0–1 to advance to their first ever NWSL Championship Game. On November 11, 2023, Gotham FC won their first NWSL Championship, the team's first title since the 2009 WPS Championship, by a score of 1–2 over OL Reign with first half goals by Lynn Williams and Esther Gonzalez.[96]

In the 2024 season, Gotham finished 3rd in the league, defeating Portland Thorns FC in the quarterfinals 2-1. In the semifinals, Gotham faced the Washington Spirit, in this match goals from Esther and Hal Hershfelt sent the match to penalties, where Gotham lost, 3-0.[97]

Colors and crest

[edit]

The club's visual identity has changed multiple times throughout its history. During their tenure in Women's Professional Soccer, Sky Blue FC's home colors were orange and their away colors were sky blue. Beginning with the 2013 season and the launch of the National Women's Soccer League, the club's home colors changed to midnight blue, while their away colors changed to a white shirt with midnight blue shorts. In 2015, the club's colors reverted to sky blue and orange, but with sky blue for their home jersey and orange for their away jersey. The following season, the club's home colors returned to midnight blue, while their away colors returned to sky blue. This pattern again emerged in following seasons, as the club's home jersey was sky blue in 2017 and 2018, but returned to midnight blue in 2019. The 2020 season marked yet another change, as the club's home colors became primarily black with sky blue accents. While their home and away strips as Sky Blue FC lacked a consistent visual identity, throughout this era the club's crest remained a blue, white, and orange shield emblazoned with the club's name. The addition of a blue star above the shield was to represent the club's victory in the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer championship.[98]

Following the club's rebrand from Sky Blue FC to NJ/NY Gotham FC, a new crest and color scheme was announced. The club's new crest, a shield adorned by the crown of the Statue of Liberty, was designed by Matthew Wolff, who had previously designed for several MLS clubs as well as other professional clubs around the world. According to a club statement, the crown represents the club's ambitions to become an international club.[99] The lettering on the crest contains a hybrid letter Y and letter J, reflecting the club's name, location, and fanbase.[99] The new kit is similarly representative. The blue sash running diagonally across the kit harkens back to the team's roots as Sky Blue FC. The sash also symbolizes the Hudson River, a visual representation of the "/" in NJ/NY, as it flows between New Jersey and New York. Following the rebrand, the official colors of Gotham FC are "Sky Blue", "Gotham Black", and "Cloud White", representing the club's original name, its current name, and the name of the supporters group.[99]

Kit history

[edit]
Selection of Gotham kits through history
The all orange home jersey worn from 2009–2011
Midnight blue and white were adopted as the club's home colors from 2013–2014
The sky blue jersey worn in 2017
Black and sky blue were adopted as the club's colors in 2020
Football kit (black jersey with a light blue sash running diagonally from top right to bottom left; black shorts; and black socks)
The inaugural Gotham FC home kit used in 2021–2022, known as the Colossal Kit.
Football kit (black jersey with several light blue lightning bolts running vertically across the torso; black shorts; and black socks)
Gotham FC 2023 kit

Stadiums

[edit]

Supporters

[edit]

Cloud 9 is the official supporters group of Gotham FC.[100] They stand in the supporters' section for home games (Section 101 of Red Bull Arena, behind the south-side goal), and travel to road games, singing songs and chants throughout the game.[101] During the team's tenure at Yurcak Field, Cloud 9 stood and supported from Section 9 during home games.[102]

Players and staff

[edit]

Current squad

[edit]
As of December 20, 2024.[103]
No. Pos. Player Nation
1 GK Michelle Betos (Captain)  United States
2 DF Jenna Nighswonger  United States
3 DF Bruninha  Brazil
4 GK Abby Smith  United States
6 MF Emily Sonnett  United States
7 MF McCall Zerboni  United States
8 DF Taryn Torres  United States
9 FW Esther González  Spain
13 FW Ella Stevens  United States
14 MF Nealy Martin  United States
15 DF Tierna Davidson  United States
16 MF Rose Lavelle  United States
18 MF Yazmeen Ryan  United States
19 FW Crystal Dunn  United States
20 FW Jéssica Silva  Portugal
22 DF Mandy Freeman  United States
23 FW Margaret Purce  United States
24 FW Cece Kizer  United States
27 DF Jess Carter  England
30 GK Ann-Katrin Berger  Germany
MF Jaelin Howell  United States

Staff

[edit]
As of April 20, 2023[104][105][106][107][108]
Front office
Position Name
General manager
Head of soccer operations
United States Yael Averbuch West
Acting president United States Nan Vogel
Technical staff
Head coach Spain Juan Carlos Amorós
Assistant coaches United States Jen Lalor
England Shaun Harris
England Ak Lakhani
Goalkeeper coach Australia Brody Sams
Head of tactical analysis Spain Jesús Botello Hermosa
Head of sports science United States Philip Congleton
Strength and conditioning coach Spain Adrián Benítez Jiménez
Medical staff
Chief medical officer Dr. Oscar Vazquez
Physical therapist Erin Morton

Head coaches

[edit]
As of November 11, 2023

Only competitive matches[a] are counted. Wins, losses, and draws are results at the final whistle; the results of penalty shootouts are not counted.

Name Nationality From Until Record Honors
P W D L GF GA GD Win %
Ian Sawyers England March 5, 2008 May 23, 2009 6 1 2 3 3 5 −2 016.67
Kelly Lindsey[109] United States May 23, 2009 July 29, 2009 12 5 3 4 13 12 +1 041.67
Christie Pearce[110] United States July 30, 2009 September 29, 2009 5 4 0 1 6 4 +2 080.00 WPS Champions
Pauliina Miettinen[111] Finland September 29, 2009 July 19, 2010 14 5 3 6 12 16 −4 035.71
Rick Stainton[112] United States July 19, 2010 October 7, 2010 10 2 4 4 8 15 −7 020.00
Jim Gabarra[113] United States October 7, 2010 October 14, 2015 84 29 29 26 68 87 −19 034.52
Christy Holly[114] Northern Ireland January 13, 2016 August 16, 2017 38 14 7 17 53 67 −14 036.84
Dave Hodgson (interim) England August 16, 2017 November 15, 2017 6 3 1 2 13 14 −1 050.00
Denise Reddy[115] United States November 15, 2017 June 28, 2019[116] 33 1 8 24 27 66 −39 003.03
Christiane Lessa
Hugo Macedo (interim)
Brazil
Brazil
June 28, 2019 September 4, 2019 10 4 2 4 10 13 −3 040.00
Freya Coombe (interim) England September 4, 2019 December 17, 2019 5 1 1 3 5 9 −4 020.00
Freya Coombe[117] England December 17, 2019 August 29, 2021[118] 31 10 11 10 33 32 +1 032.26
Scott Parkinson[119] England August 31, 2021 August 11, 2022[92] 24 7 5 12 24 37 −13 029.17
Hue Menzies (interim)[120] England August 13, 2022 October 2, 2022 10 0 1 9 7 22 −15 000.00
Juan Carlos Amorós[121] Spain November 1, 2022 Present 31 14 9 8 39 32 +7 045.16 NWSL Champions
  1. ^ Includes regular season, playoffs, and domestic cups

Club captains

[edit]
Period Name
2009–2010 United States Christie Pearce
2011 United States Brittany Kolmel
2013–2017 United States Christie Pearce
2018 United States Carli Lloyd
2019–2020 United States Sarah Woldmoe
2021–2022 United States McCall Zerboni
2023 United States Ali Krieger
2024 United States Kelley O'Hara

Honors

[edit]

Domestic competitions

[edit]

League championship(s): (2)

League cup(s): (0)

International competitions

[edit]

Invitational cup(s): (1)

Records

[edit]

Statistics from competitive matches (regular season, playoffs, and domestic cup) only.[122][123] Current players in bold.

Year-by-year

[edit]
As of November 2, 2024
Season Regular season Playoffs Challenge Cup Summer Cup Champions Cup Avg. attendance
League P W D L F A Pts Pos
2009 WPS 20 7 5 8 19 20 26 4th Champions Not held Not held Not held 3,651
2010 WPS 24 7 7 10 20 31 28 5th DNQ 3,320
2011 WPS 18 5 4 9 24 29 19 5th 2,033
2013 NWSL 22 10 6 6 31 26 36 4th Semi-finals 1,664
2014 NWSL 24 9 7 8 30 37 34 6th DNQ 1,640
2015 NWSL 20 5 7 8 22 28 22 8th 2,189
2016 NWSL 20 7 5 8 24 30 26 7th 2,162
2017 NWSL 24 10 3 11 42 51 33 6th 2,613
2018 NWSL 24 1 6 17 21 52 9 9th 2,532
2019 NWSL 24 5 5 14 20 34 20 8th 3,338
2020 NWSL Canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic 4th[a] Canceled Semi-finals 0[b]
2021 NWSL 24 8 11 5 29 21 35 5th Quarter-finals Runners-up 3,793
2022 NWSL 22 4 1 17 16 46 13 12th DNQ Group stage 4,415
2023 NWSL 22 8 7 7 25 24 31 6th Champions Group stage 6,293
2024 NWSL 26 17 5 4 41 20 56 3rd Semi-finals Runners-up Runners-up - 8,550
  1. ^ Results of the 2020 NWSL Fall Series
  2. ^ All games played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Most appearances

[edit]
As of the 2022 season.
Players with most appearances for Gotham FC
Rank Player Years League[a] Cup Total
1 Erica Skroski 2016–2021 107 11 118
2 Christie Pearce 2009–2010
2013–2017
117 0 117
3 Sarah Woldmoe 2015–2020 106 10 116
4 Kailen Sheridan 2017–2021 98 10 108
5 Imani Dorsey 2018–2023 72 18 90
6 Mandy Freeman 2017– 69 13 82
Taylor Lytle 2013–2017 82 0 82
8 Paige Monaghan 2019–2022 57 21 78
9 Raquel Rodríguez 2016–2019 76 0 76
10 Kelley O'Hara 2013–2017
2023-
75 0 75
  1. ^ includes WPS & NWSL, regular season and playoffs.

Top goalscorers

[edit]
As of the 2022 season.

Matches played appear in brackets.

Rank Player Years Goals
1 Sam Kerr 2015–2017 28 (40)
2 Carli Lloyd 2010
2018–2021
17 (52)
3 Margaret Purce 2020– 16 (51)
4 Natasha Kai 2009–2010
2016–2017
15 (58)
Kelley O'Hara 2013–2017 15 (75)
6 Ifeoma Onumonu 2020–2023 14 (60)
7 Nadia Nadim 2014–2015 13 (24)
8 Mónica Ocampo 2013–2015 11 (35)
Sarah Woldmoe 2015–2020 11 (116)
10 Paige Monaghan 2019–2022 10 (77)
11 Maya Hayes 2014–2017 9 (74)
12 Rosana 2009–2010 8 (41)
Sophie Schmidt 2013–2014 8 (41)
Raquel Rodríguez 2016–2019 8 (76)
15 Laura Österberg Kalmari 2010–2011 7 (33)
16 Katy Freels 2013–2015 6 (65)
Imani Dorsey 2018–2023 6 (90)
18 Lisa De Vanna 2013 5 (16)
Casey Loyd 2011 5 (18)
Leah Galton 2016–2017 5 (30)
Taylor Lytle 2013–2017 5 (82)

Top scorers by season

[edit]
As of the 2023 season.
Season Nat. Player Goals
2009 United States Natasha Kai 6
2010 United States Natasha Kai 5
Finland Laura Österberg Kalmari
2011 United States Casey Loyd 5
2013 Mexico Mónica Ocampo 8
2014 United States Kelley O'Hara 7
Denmark Nadia Nadim
2015 Denmark Nadia Nadim 6
Australia Sam Kerr
2016 Australia Sam Kerr 5
2017 Australia Sam Kerr 17
2018 United States Carli Lloyd 4
United States Imani Dorsey
Mexico Katie Johnson
2019 United States Carli Lloyd 8
2020 United States Paige Monaghan 3
Nigeria Ifeoma Onumonu
2021 United States Margaret Purce 11
2022 United States Paige Monaghan 3
United States Margaret Purce
United States McCall Zerboni
2023 United States Lynn Williams 7

Broadcasting

[edit]

Starting in April 2017, Sky Blue FC games were streamed exclusively by Go90 for American audiences and via the NWSL website for international viewers.[124] For the 2017 season, the team was featured in the nationally televised Lifetime NWSL Game of the Week broadcasts on May 13, May 20, July 1, and August 12, 2017.[125]

Previous seasons' matches were streamed live on YouTube, available around the world. The announcers were Corey Cohen on play-by-play and Dan Lauletta on color commentary with Evan Davis hosting the halftime show and NJ Discover handling production.[126]

The NWSL announced that it has entered into a three-year media agreement with CBS Sports and the video game-oriented streaming service Twitch on March 11, 2020.[127]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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[edit]