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'{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2019}} {{Infobox football club | clubname = Gotham FC | image = NJ_NY_Gotham_FC_logo.svg | 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". | fullname = NJ/NY Gotham FC | nickname = The Goths | founded = {{start date and age|2006}}, as ''Jersey Sky Blue'' | stadium = [[Red Bull Arena (New Jersey)|Red Bull Arena]]<br>[[Harrison, New Jersey]] | capacity = 25,000 | owntitle = Owners | owner = [[Phil Murphy (politician)|Phil]] and [[Tammy Murphy]]<br>[[Steven H. Temares]]<br>Kristin Bernert<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 | chairman = [[Tammy Murphy]] | mgrtitle = Head coach | manager = [[Juan Carlos Amorós]] | league = [[National Women's Soccer League]] | season = [[2022 National Women's Soccer League season|2022]] | position = 12th of 12 | current = 2022 NJ/NY Gotham FC season | website = https://www.gothamfc.com/ | American = true | pattern_la1 = | pattern_b1 = _goth21h | pattern_ra1 = | pattern_sh1 = | pattern_so1 = | leftarm1 = 000000 | body1 = 000000 | rightarm1 = 000000 | shorts1 = 000000 | socks1 = 000000 | pattern_la2 = | pattern_b2 = _goth21a | pattern_ra2 = | pattern_sh2 = | pattern_so2 = | leftarm2 = FFFFFF | body2 = FFFFFF | rightarm2 = FFFFFF | shorts2 = FFFFFF | socks2 = FFFFFF }} '''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. ==History== ===2006–2008: Establishment=== 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|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]] in 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/about-us/|title=ABOUT US|website=skybluefc.com|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</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]] 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|US 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> 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. 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> ===2008–2020: Sky Blue FC=== ====2009–2011: Women's Professional Soccer==== =====Unlikely champions, 2009===== {{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]]. [[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. 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]] 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.]] 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> =====Down to Earth, 2010–2011===== {{main|2010 Sky Blue FC season||2011 Sky Blue FC season}} 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 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 [[USL W-League|W-League]], which included sharing coaching staff. {{citation needed|date=December 2013}} ====2013–2020: National Women's Soccer League==== =====Jim Gabarra era, 2013–2015===== {{main|2013 Sky Blue FC season||2014 Sky Blue FC season||2015 Sky Blue FC season}} 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|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.]] 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]]. 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 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. 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2015/10/14/sky-blue-fc-agrees-to-mutual-release-with-head-coach-jim-gabarra/|title=Sky Blue FC Agrees to Mutual Release with Head Coach Jim Gabarra|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=October 14, 2015|access-date=July 28, 2020}}</ref> Gabarra's assistant, [[Christy Holly]], was later named his successor for the 2016 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/article/christy-holly-named-head-coach-of-sky-blue-fc/|title=Christy Holly named head coach of Sky Blue FC|last=Greco|first=Richard|date=January 14, 2016|access-date=July 28, 2020|website=NJ.com}}</ref> =====Christy Holly era, 2016–2017===== {{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> 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> =====Instability, scandals, and rebuilding, 2017–2019===== {{main|2017 Sky Blue FC season||2018 Sky Blue FC season||2019 Sky Blue FC season}} 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> [[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"/> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/78694/nwsl-focus-sam-kerr-sets-record-in-homecoming.html|title=NWSL Focus: Sam Kerr sets record in homecoming|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=July 8, 2018}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://deadspin.com/one-month-after-promised-solutions-womens-pro-soccer-t-1828524760|title=One Month After Promised Solutions, Women's Pro Soccer Team Still Doesn't Have Running Water|last=Redford|first=Patrick|work=Deadspin|date=August 22, 2018|access-date=July 28, 2020}}</ref> 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.<ref name="untenable">{{cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2018/7/17/17583026/sky-blue-fc-created-untenable-player-conditions-years-nwsl|title=Sky Blue FC created untenable player conditions for years|last1=Yang|first1=Stephanie|work=Once A Metro|access-date=September 11, 2018|date=July 17, 2018}}</ref> 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".<ref name="untenable"/> 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> 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> 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> =====A fresh start, 2020===== {{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> 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}}</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}}</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/> 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}}</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. ===2021–present: NJ/NY Gotham FC=== {{main|2021 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2022 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}}</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 news |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 |work=[[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 news |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 |work=[[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> 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 2021 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> ==Colors and crest== 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 Sky Blue FC season|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 Sky Blue FC season|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 Sky Blue FC season|2017]] and [[2018 Sky Blue FC season|2018]], but returned to midnight blue in [[2019 Sky Blue FC season|2019]]. The [[2020 Sky Blue FC season|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 Playoffs|2009 Women's Professional Soccer championship]].<ref>{{citetweet|author=Claire Watkins|user=ScoutRipley|number=1344382022790295552|date=December 30, 2020|title=Good reminder that Sky Blue turning their WPS star into a part of their NWSL crest was the visual heist of the century}}</ref> 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 (designer)|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.<ref name="NJNYGOTHAM">{{cite web|url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1156361|title=Sky Blue FC Unveils NJ/NY Gotham FC as New Identity|publisher=Gotham FC|date=April 6, 2021|access-date=April 6, 2021}}</ref> The lettering on the crest contains a hybrid letter Y and letter J, reflecting the club's name, location, and fanbase.<ref name="NJNYGOTHAM" /> 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.<ref name="NJNYGOTHAM" /> {| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;" |- ! colspan="5"|Selection of Gotham kits through history |- style="vertical-align: top;" |{{Football kit box|pattern_la=|pattern_b=|pattern_ra=|pattern_so=_|leftarm=FF7E00|body=FF7E00|rightarm=FF7E00|shorts=FF7E00|socks=FF7E00|alt=|title=<div align="center">The all orange home jersey worn from 2009{{endash}}2011</div>}} |{{Football kit box|pattern_la=|pattern_b=_nwsl13|pattern_ra=|pattern_so=_|leftarm=002366|body=002366|rightarm=002366|shorts=002366|socks=002366|alt=|title=<div align="center">Midnight blue and white were adopted as the club's home colors from 2013{{endash}}2014</div>}} |{{Football kit box|pattern_la=|pattern_b=_precision_vneck|pattern_ra=|pattern_so=_|leftarm=90bbee|body=90bbee|rightarm=90bbee|shorts=90bbee|socks=90bbee|alt=|title=<div align="center">The sky blue jersey worn in 2017</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 introduced in 2021, known as the Colossal Kit.|leftarm=000000|rightarm=000000}} |} ==Stadiums== {{See also|NWSL stadiums}} * [[Yurcak Field]] (2009–2019) * [[TD Bank Ballpark]] (2 games, 2009) * [[MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field]] (2 games in 2020) *[[Red Bull Arena (New Jersey)|Red Bull Arena]] (2 games in 2019, 2020–) ==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|url-status=live|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== ===Current squad=== {{updated|October 14, 2022.}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gothamfc.com/teamroster|title=Team Roster|publisher=NJ/NY Gotham FC|access-date=August 23, 2022}}</ref> <!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Do NOT add new players before their signing is officially announced by the club (acquired rights / draftees are not signings); -- and do NOT assign unreferenced squad numbers as well. -- Players with international caps should NOT be bolded – as per Wikipedia:WikiProject_Football/Clubs – This is Wikipedia, not a football gazette. – Any unconfirmed and unsourced signing/transfer will be reverted at sight. – Thanks in advance. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! style="background:#202121; color:#AFDBF5; border:2px solid #AFDBF5;" scope="col"|No. ! style="background:#202121; color:#AFDBF5; border:2px solid #AFDBF5;" scope="col"|Pos. ! style="background:#202121; color:#AFDBF5; border:2px solid #AFDBF5;" scope="col"|Player ! style="background:#202121; color:#AFDBF5; border:2px solid #AFDBF5;" scope="col"|Nation |- {{Fs player2 sort |no=1 |pos=GK |nat=USA |first=Michelle |last=Betos}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=2 |pos=FW |nat=USA |first=Cameron |last=Tucker |dab=Cameron Tucker (soccer)}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=3 |pos=DF |nat=BRA |first= |last=Bruninha}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=4 |pos=FW |nat=USA |first=Paige |last=Monaghan}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=7 |pos=MF |nat=USA |first=McCall |last=Zerboni |other=[[Captain (association football)|captain]] }} {{Fs player2 sort |no=8 |pos=MF |nat=USA |first=Taryn |last=Torres}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=9 |pos=FW |nat=JPN |first=Nahomi |last=Kawasumi}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=11|pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Ali |last=Krieger}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=14|pos=MF |nat=USA |first=Delanie |last=Sheehan}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=15|pos=DF |nat=MEX |first=Sabrina |last=Flores}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=16|pos=MF |nat=USA |first=Allie |last=Long}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=18|pos=GK |nat=USA |first=Ashlyn |last=Harris}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=19|pos=MF |nat=USA |first=Kristie |last=Mewis}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=20|pos=FW |nat=USA |first=Taylor |last=Smith |dab=Taylor Smith (soccer)}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=21|pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Ellie |last=Jean}} {{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=24|pos=DF |nat=CMR |first=Estelle |last=Johnson}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=25|pos=FW |nat=NGA |first=Ifeoma |last=Onumonu}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=27|pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Kelly Ann |last=Livingstone}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=28|pos=DF |nat=USA |first=Imani |last=Dorsey }} {{Fs player2 sort |no=44|pos=FW |nat=USA |first=Jenna |last=Bike }} {{Fs player2 sort |no=99|pos=MF |nat=CAN |first=Victoria |last=Pickett}} |} ===Out on loan=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! style="background:#202121; color:#AFDBF5; border:2px solid #AFDBF5;" scope="col"|No. ! style="background:#202121; color:#AFDBF5; border:2px solid #AFDBF5;" scope="col"|Pos. ! style="background:#202121; color:#AFDBF5; border:2px solid #AFDBF5;" scope="col"|Player ! style="background:#202121; color:#AFDBF5; border:2px solid #AFDBF5;" scope="col"|Nation |- {{Fs player2 sort |no=51|pos=GK |nat=USA |first=Hensley |last=Hancuff |other=at [[Brisbane Roar FC (A-League Women)|Brisbane Roar]] until April 30, 2023<ref>{{cite web|url=https://brisbaneroar.com.au/news/gotham-fcs-hensley-hancuff-joins-brisbane-roar-on-loan|title=Gotham FC’s Hensley Hancuff joins Brisbane Roar on loan|website=[[Brisbane Roar FC|Brisbane Roar]]|date=12 October 2022}}</ref>}} {{Fs player2 sort |no=|nat=CAN |pos=FW |first=Évelyne |last=Viens |other=at [[Kristianstads DFF|Kristianstad]] until December 31, 2022<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1199117-nj-ny-gotham-fc-loans-forward-evelyne-viens-to-kristianstads-dff|title=NJ/NY Gotham FC Loans Forward Evelyne Viens to Kristianstads DFF|first=Gotham|last=FC|date=December 16, 2021|website=NJ/NY Gotham FC}}</ref>}} |} ===Staff=== {{updated|November 4, 2022.}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Technical Staff |url=https://www.gothamfc.com/tech-staff |publisher=NJ/NY Gotham FC |access-date=August 17, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dropbox.com/s/x2htc5p2cu6h607/2022-NJNY-GothamFC-MediaGuide.pdf?dl=0&unfurl=1|title=2022-NJNY-GothamFC-MediaGuide.pdf|website=Dropbox}}</ref> {|class="wikitable" |- !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|Position !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|Name |- !colspan="2" style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD; text-alignment:center"|Technical Staff |- |Head coach || {{flagicon|ESP}} [[Juan Carlos Amorós]] |- |Assistant coach || vacant |- |Goalkeeper coach || {{flagicon|AUS}} Brody Sams |- |General manager and head of soccer operations |[[Yael Averbuch West]] |- |Assistant general manager |Stephanie Lee |- !colspan="2" style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD; text-alignment:center"|Medical Staff |- |Chief medical officer || Dr. Oscar Vazquez |- |Physical therapist || Erin Morton |} ===Head coaches=== {{updated|July 31, 2022}} 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;" !rowspan="2" style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|Name !rowspan="2" style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|Nationality !rowspan="2" style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|From !rowspan="2" style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|Until !colspan="8" class="unsortable" style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|Record !rowspan="2" style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|Honors |- !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|P|Games played}} !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|W|Games won}} !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|D|Games drawn}} !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|L|Games lost}} !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|GF|Goals for}} !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|GA|Goals against}} !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|GD|Goal difference}} !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;"|{{abbr|Win %|Win percentage}} |- |[[Ian Sawyers]] |{{flagicon|ENG}} |March 5, 2008 |May 23, 2009 {{WDL|6|1|2|3|for=3|against=5|diff=yes}} | |- |[[Kelly Lindsey]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nj.com/sports/njsports/2009/05/sky_blue_fc_fires_coach_and_ge.html|title=Sky Blue FC fires coach and general manager Ian Sawyers|last=Giase|first=Frank|work=The Star Ledger|date=May 28, 2009|access-date=July 6, 2020}}</ref> |{{flagicon|USA}} |May 23, 2009 |July 29, 2009 {{WDL|12|5|3|4|for=13|against=12|diff=yes}} | |- |[[Christie Pearce]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/sports/soccer/09skyblue.html|title=Sky Blue Has Overcome Its Share of Dark Clouds|agency=Associated Press|work=The New York Times|date=August 8, 2009|access-date=July 6, 2020}}</ref> |{{flagicon|USA}} |July 30, 2009 |September 29, 2009 {{WDL|5|4|0|1|for=6|against=4|diff=yes}} |[[2009 Women's Professional Soccer Playoffs|WPS Champions]] |- |[[Pauliina Miettinen]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nj.com/sports/njsports/2009/09/sky_blue_fc_name_pauliina_miet.html|title=Sky Blue FC name Pauliina Miettinen head coach|last=Giase|first=Frank|work=The Star-Ledger|date=September 30, 2009|access-date=July 6, 2020}}</ref> |{{flagicon|FIN}} |September 29, 2009 |July 19, 2010 {{WDL|14|5|3|6|for=12|against=16|diff=yes}} | |- |[[Rick Stainton]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/20/sports/soccer/20sportsbriefs-skyblue.html|title=Assistant Takes Over as Coach of Sky Blue F.C.|agency=Associated Press|work=The New York Times|date=July 19, 2010|access-date=July 6, 2020}}</ref> |{{flagicon|USA}} |July 19, 2010 |October 7, 2010 {{WDL|10|2|4|4|for=8|against=15|diff=yes}} | |- |[[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> |{{flagicon|USA}} |October 7, 2010 |October 14, 2015 {{WDL|84|29|29|26|for=68|against=87|diff=yes}} | |- |[[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> |{{flagicon|NIR}} |January 13, 2016 |August 16, 2017 {{WDL|38|14|7|17|for=53|against=67|diff=yes}} | |- |bgcolor="#FBCEB1"|''[[Dave Hodgson (football manager)|Dave Hodgson]] ([[caretaker manager|interim]])'' |{{flagicon|ENG}} |August 16, 2017 |November 15, 2017 {{WDL|6|3|1|2|for=13|against=14|diff=yes}} | |- |[[Denise Reddy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://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=July 6, 2020|website=Northjersey.com}}</ref> |{{flagicon|USA}} |November 15, 2017 |June 28, 2019<ref>{{cite news|url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2019/06/28/denise-reddy-out-as-sky-blue-coach/|title=Denise Reddy out as Sky Blue coach|last=Lauletta|first=Dan|work=The Equalizer|date=June 28, 2019|access-date=July 6, 2020}}</ref> {{WDL|33|1|8|24|for=27|against=66|diff=yes}} | |- |bgcolor="#FBCEB1"|''[[Christiane Lessa]]<br/>[[Hugo Macedo (football manager)|Hugo Macedo]] ([[caretaker manager|interim]])'' |{{flagicon|BRA}}<br/>{{flagicon|BRA}} |June 28, 2019 |September 4, 2019 {{WDL|10|4|2|4|for=10|against=13|diff=yes}} | |- |bgcolor="#FBCEB1"|''[[Freya Coombe]] ([[caretaker manager|interim]])'' |{{flagicon|ENG}} |September 4, 2019 |December 17, 2019 {{WDL|5|1|1|3|for=5|against=9|diff=yes}} | |- |[[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> |{{flagicon|ENG}} |December 17, 2019 |August 29, 2021<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/freya-coombe-gotham-fc-angel-city-nwsl-20210830.html|title=Freya Coombe's exit from Gotham FC upends what has been a strong NWSL season|date=August 30, 2021|accessdate=August 30, 2021|last=Tannenwald|first=Jonathan|work=[[Philadelphia Inquirer]]}}</ref> {{WDL|31|10|11|10|for=33|against=32|diff=yes}} | |- |[[Scott Parkinson]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1181156|title=NJ/NY Gotham FC Announces New Head Coach and Assistant Coach|website=gothamfc.com|date=August 31, 2021|accessdate=August 31, 2021}}</ref> |{{flagicon|ENG}} |August 31, 2021 |August 11, 2022<ref name="parkinson-out"/> {{WDL|26|8|8|11|for=26|against=39|diff=yes}} | |- |bgcolor="#FBCEB1"|''[[Hue Menzies]] ([[caretaker manager|interim]])''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1235625-nj-ny-gotham-fc-names-hue-menzies-interim-coach|title=NJ/NY Gotham FC Names Hue Menzies Interim Coach|first=Gotham|last=FC|date=August 13, 2022|website=NJ/NY Gotham FC}}</ref> |{{flagicon|ENG}} |August 13, 2022 |October 2, 2022 {{WDL|0|0|0|0|for=0|against=0|diff=yes}} | |- |[[Juan Carlos Amorós]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1245806-nj-ny-gotham-fc-names-juan-carlos-amor-s-head-coach|title=NJ/NY Gotham FC Names Juan Carlos Amorós Head Coach|first=Gotham|last=FC|date=November 1, 2022|website=NJ/NY Gotham FC}}</ref> |{{flagicon|ESP}} |November 1, 2022 | {{WDL|0|0|0|0|for=0|against=0|diff=yes}} | |} {{notelist}} ===Club captains=== {| class="wikitable sortable" ! style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" |'''Period''' ! style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" |'''Name''' |- |2009–2010 |{{flagicon|USA}} [[Christie Pearce]] |- |2011 |{{flagicon|USA}} [[Brittany Kolmel]] |- |2013–2017 |{{flagicon|USA}} [[Christie Pearce]] |- |2018 |{{flagicon|USA}} [[Carli Lloyd]] |- |2019–2020 |{{flagicon|USA}} [[Sarah Woldmoe]] |- |2021– |{{flagicon|USA}} [[McCall Zerboni]] |} ==Honors== * '''[[Women's Professional Soccer]]''' ** '''Winners''' (1): [[2009 Women's Professional Soccer season|2009]] ==Records== ''Statistics from competitive matches (regular season, playoffs, and domestic cup) only.''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fbref.com/en/squads/8e306dc6/history/Sky-Blue-FC-Stats-and-History|title=Sky Blue FC Stats and History|website=FBRef|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/womenssoccer/t-WSBF|title=Sky Blue FC Franchise History (2009-2019)|website=statscrew.com|access-date=July 26, 2020}}</ref> ''Current players in '''bold'''''. ===Year-by-year=== {{see also|National Women's Soccer League attendance}} {{updated|October 2, 2022}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center; |- !rowspan=2 style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Season !colspan=9 style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD"|Regular season !rowspan=2 style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope="col"|Playoffs !rowspan=2 style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope="col"|[[NWSL Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]] !rowspan=2 style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD"|Avg. Attendance |- !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|League !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|P !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|W !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|D !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|L !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|F !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|A !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Pts !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Pos |- !scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2009 Sky Blue FC season|2009]] |[[Women's Professional Soccer|WPS]] |20 |7 |5 |8 |19 |20 |26 |4th |bgcolor=gold|'''[[2009 Women's Professional Soccer Playoffs|Champions]]''' |rowspan=10|''Not held'' |3,651 |- !scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2010 Sky Blue FC season|2010]] |[[Women's Professional Soccer|WPS]] |24 |7 |7 |10 |20 |31 |28 |5th |rowspan=2|DNQ |3,320 |- !scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2011 Sky Blue FC season|2011]] |[[Women's Professional Soccer|WPS]] |18 |5 |4 |9 |24 |29 |19 |5th |2,033 |- !scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2013 Sky Blue FC season|2013]] |[[National Women's Soccer League|NWSL]] |22 |10 |6 |6 |31 |26 |36 |4th |[[NWSL playoffs#2013 season|Semi-finals]] |1,664 |- !scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2014 Sky Blue FC season|2014]] |[[National Women's Soccer League|NWSL]] |24 |9 |7 |8 |30 |37 |34 |6th |rowspan=6|DNQ |1,640 |- !scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2015 Sky Blue FC season|2015]] |[[National Women's Soccer League|NWSL]] |20 |5 |7 |8 |22 |28 |22 |8th |2,189 |- !scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2016 Sky Blue FC season|2016]] |[[National Women's Soccer League|NWSL]] |20 |7 |5 |8 |24 |30 |26 |7th |2,162 |- !scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2017 Sky Blue FC season|2017]] |[[National Women's Soccer League|NWSL]] |24 |10 |3 |11 |42 |51 |33 |6th |2,613 |- !scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2018 Sky Blue FC season|2018]] |[[National Women's Soccer League|NWSL]] |24 |1 |6 |17 |21 |52 |9 |9th |2,532 |- !scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2019 Sky Blue FC season|2019]] |[[National Women's Soccer League|NWSL]] |24 |5 |5 |14 |20 |34 |20 |8th |3,338 |- !scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2020 Sky Blue FC season|2020]] |[[National Women's Soccer League|NWSL]] |colspan=7|''Canceled due to the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on association football|COVID-19 pandemic]] |4th{{efn|name=FallSeries|Results of the [[2020 National Women's Soccer League season#Fall Series|2020 NWSL Fall Series]]}} |''Canceled'' |[[2020 NWSL Challenge Cup#Semi-finals|Semi-finals]] |0{{efn|All games played [[behind closed doors (sport)|behind closed doors]] due to the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on association football|COVID-19 pandemic]]}} |- !scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2021 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2021]] |[[National Women's Soccer League|NWSL]] |24 |8 |11 |5 |29 |21 |35 |5th |[[NWSL Playoffs#2021 season|Quarter-finals]] |bgcolor=silver|[[2021 NWSL Challenge Cup Championship|Runners-up]] |3,793 |- !scope=row style=text-align:center|[[2022 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2022]] |[[National Women's Soccer League|NWSL]] |22 |4 |1 |17 |16 |46 |13 |12th |DNQ |[[2022 NWSL Challenge Cup#East Division|Group stage]] |4,415 |} {{notelist}} ===Most appearances=== {{updated|the 2021 season.}} {|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center;" |+Players with most appearances for Gotham FC !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Rank !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Player !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Years !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|League{{efn|includes WPS & NWSL, regular season and playoffs.}} !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Cup !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Total |- |1 |[[Erica Skroski]] |2016–2021 |107 |11 |'''118''' |- |2 |[[Christie Pearce]] |2009–2010<br/>2013–2017 |117 |0 |'''117''' |- |3 |[[Sarah Woldmoe]] |2015–2020 |106 |10 |'''116''' |- |4 |[[Kailen Sheridan]] |2017–2021 |98 |10 |'''108''' |- |5 |[[Taylor Lytle]] |2013–2017 |82 |0 |'''82''' |- |6 |[[Raquel Rodríguez]] |2016–2019 |76 |0 |'''76''' |- |7 |[[Kelley O'Hara]] |2013–2017 |75 |0 |'''75''' |- |8 |[[Maya Hayes]] |2014–2017 |74 |0 |'''74''' |- |9 |[[Katy Freels]] |2013–2015 |65 |0 |'''65''' |- |10 |'''[[Imani Dorsey]]''' |2018– |51 |13 |'''64''' |} {{notelist}} ===Top goalscorers=== {{updated|the 2021 season.}} ''Matches played appear in brackets.'' {|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center;" |- !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Rank !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Player !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Years !style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD" scope=col|Goals |- |1 |[[Sam Kerr]] |2015–2017 |'''28''' ''(40)'' |- |2 |[[Carli Lloyd]] |2010<br/>2018–2021 |'''17''' ''(52)'' |- |rowspan="2"|3 |!scope=row|[[Natasha Kai]] |2009–2010<br/>2016–2017 |'''15''' ''(58)'' |- |!scope=row|[[Kelley O'Hara]] |2013–2017 |'''15''' ''(75)'' |- |5 |[[Nadia Nadim]] |2014–2015 |'''13''' ''(24)'' |- |6 |'''[[Margaret Purce]]''' |2020– |'''12''' ''(30)'' |- |rowspan="3"|7 |!scope=row|[[Mónica Ocampo]] |2013–2015 |'''11''' ''(35)'' |- |!scope=row|'''[[Ifeoma Onumonu]]''' |2020– |'''11''' ''(39)'' |- |!scope=row|[[Sarah Woldmoe]] |2015–2020 |'''11''' ''(116)'' |- |10 |[[Maya Hayes]] |2014–2017 |'''9''' ''(74)'' |- |rowspan="3"|11 |!scope=row|[[Rosana dos Santos Augusto|Rosana]] |2009–2010 |'''8''' ''(41)'' |- |!scope=row|[[Sophie Schmidt]] |2013–2014 |'''8''' ''(41)'' |- |!scope=row|[[Raquel Rodríguez]] |2016–2019 |'''8''' ''(76)'' |- |rowspan="2"|14 |[[Laura Österberg Kalmari]] |2010–2011 |'''7''' ''(33)'' |- |!scope=row|'''[[Paige Monaghan]]''' |2019– |'''7''' ''(50)'' |- |rowspan="2"|16 |!scope=row|'''[[Imani Dorsey]]''' |2018– |'''6''' ''(64)'' |- |!scope=row|[[Katy Freels]] |2013–2015 |'''6''' ''(65)'' |- |rowspan="4"|18 |!scope=row|[[Casey Loyd]] |2011 |'''5''' ''(18)'' |- |!scope=row|[[Lisa De Vanna]] |2013 |'''5''' ''(16)'' |- |!scope=row|[[Taylor Lytle]] |2013–2017 |'''5''' ''(82)'' |- |!scope=row|[[Leah Galton]] |2016–2017 |'''5''' ''(30)'' |} ===Top scorers by season=== {{updated|the 2022 season.}} {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;" ! style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" | Season ! style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" | {{abbr|Nat.|Nationality}} ! style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" | Player ! style="background:black; color:#A9F1FD;" | Goals |- |[[2009 Sky Blue FC season|2009]] |{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | {{sn|Natasha|Kai}} |6 |- |rowspan="2"|[[2010 Sky Blue FC season|2010]] |{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | {{sn|Natasha|Kai}} | rowspan="2" align="center" |5 |- |{{flagicon|FIN}} || align="left" | {{sn|Laura|Österberg Kalmari}} |- |[[2011 Sky Blue FC season|2011]] |{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | {{sn|Casey|Loyd}} | align="center" |5 |- |[[2013 Sky Blue FC season|2013]] |{{flagicon|MEX}} || align="left" | {{sn|Mónica|Ocampo}} | align="center" |8 |- |rowspan="2"|[[2014 Sky Blue FC season|2014]] |{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | {{sn|Kelley|O'Hara}} | align="center" rowspan="2"|7 |- |{{flagicon|DEN}} || align="left" | {{sn|Nadia|Nadim}} |- |rowspan="2"|[[2015 Sky Blue FC season|2015]] |{{flagicon|DEN}} || align="left" | {{sn|Nadia|Nadim}} | align="center" rowspan="2"|6 |- |{{flagicon|AUS}} || align="left" | {{sn|Sam|Kerr}} |- |[[2016 Sky Blue FC season|2016]] |{{flagicon|AUS}} || align="left" | {{sn|Sam|Kerr}} | align="center" |5 |- |[[2017 Sky Blue FC season|2017]] |{{flagicon|AUS}} || align="left" | {{sn|Sam|Kerr}} | align="center" |17 |- |rowspan="3"|[[2018 Sky Blue FC season|2018]] |{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | {{sn|Carli|Lloyd}} | align="center" rowspan="3" |4 |- |{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | '''{{sn|Imani|Dorsey}}''' |- |{{flagicon|MEX}} || align="left" | {{sn|Katie|Johnson|dab=footballer}} |- |[[2019 Sky Blue FC season|2019]] |{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | {{sn|Carli|Lloyd}} | align="center" |8 |- |rowspan="2"|[[2020 Sky Blue FC season|2020]] |{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | '''{{sn|Paige|Monaghan}}''' | align="center" rowspan="2"|3 |- |{{flagicon|NGA}} || align="left" | '''{{sn|Ifeoma|Onumonu}}''' |- |[[2021 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2021]] |{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | '''{{sn|Margaret|Purce}}''' | align="center" |11 |- |rowspan="3"|[[2022 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2022]] |{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | '''{{sn|Paige|Monaghan}}''' | align="center" rowspan="3"|3 |- |{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | '''{{sn|Margaret|Purce}}''' |- |{{flagicon|USA}} || align="left" | '''{{sn|McCall|Zerboni}}''' |} == 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> 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}}</ref> On March 11, 2020, 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]]. ==See also== {{Portal|Women's association football|Sports|Association football|New Jersey|New York (state)|New York City }} * [[List of top-division football clubs in CONCACAF countries]] * [[List of professional sports teams in the United States and Canada]] {{clear}} ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== {{Commons category|NJ/NY Gotham FC}} * {{Official website|https://www.gothamfc.com/}} * [http://cloud9sc.com/ Cloud 9 – Sky Blue FC Supporters Group] {{Sky Blue FC}} {{National Women's Soccer League}} {{Womens Professional Soccer}} {{NewJerseysports}} {{NewYorksports}} {{US Women's soccer}} {{DEFAULTSORT:NJ/NY Gotham FC}} [[Category:Sky Blue FC| ]] [[Category:Association football clubs established in 2009]] [[Category:Soccer clubs in the New York metropolitan area]] [[Category:Women's soccer clubs in New Jersey]] [[Category:Soccer clubs in New Jersey]] [[Category:Harrison, New Jersey]] [[Category:Sports in Hudson County, New Jersey]] [[Category:Women's Professional Soccer teams]] [[Category:2009 establishments in New Jersey]] [[Category:National Women's Soccer League teams]] [[Category:NJ/NY Gotham FC|*]]'