NJ/NY Gotham FC are vying for their second NWSL championship in three years. All for XI sat down with the ‘Bats’ to discuss their amazing run to the final, their incredible depth, and so much fun off the pitch!
Lilly Reale on Rookie of the Year honor & Family Support
After being the top center back at UCLA and being one of the top NCAA players available in NWSL free agency, Lilly Reale moved to left back and didn’t skip a beat. She would earn Rookie of the Year honors, but her family’s support has made it something even more special.
“Having my family here for the championship – this is a moment you dream of as a kid, experiencing an atmosphere like this.”
Jaelin Howell on overcoming adversity and becoming the player she is today
Jaelin Howell has faced so much in her NWSL career, but she refused to back down one bit. After going through all that adversity, she is now headed to one of the biggest games of her career. The best part? She’s having a career season.
“The adversity the past couple of years, built me into a better player and better person.”
“I didn’t want the adversity to crack me, I wanted it to build me up.”
Head coach Juan Carlos Amorós’ special belief in every single player on the team
All season long, Gotham FC has had different players step up whenever their number is called, and that’s truly a testament to how skilled the team is, and with incredible depth. JCA speaks on how much he’s able to trust all 25 players no matter the situation they’re in.
“That’s something I’m really proud of, I can really count on the 25 players to be ready to perform.”
Katie Stengel: Did you hear that? I’m impactful!
Gotham veteran Katie Stengel discusses her last minute game-winning goal in the quarterfinal against Kansas City, and what it means to her to have an impact on Gotham. Stengel’s 121st minute goal sent Gotham to the semifinal in a huge upset against the Shield winners.
“Like the goal you score when you’re a kid, and you’re just so excited and you don’t think, and it’s just like, wow did that just go in?”
Whale watching with Ann-Katrin Berger and Shelby Hogan & bucket list talk
The legendary shot-stopper can do it all on the pitch, but what about off the pitch? She reveals her bucket list. Find out if she completed both items on the list. Spoiler? Shelby Hogan reveals the first one, and how it somehow became one of her items too.
They also reveal, what’s next on their agenda… What could it be?
Agree to Disagree?
Mandy Freeman discusses her pre-match meal of pickles, spaghetti, pancakes, and maybe a piece of chicken, but her teammate Jess Carter does not agree with a certain aspect of it.
Mandy Freeman: “If you ask Jess Carter about the pickles sensation on this team, she’ll give you a whole spiel on it.”
Jess Carter: “Absolutely not. I’ve never known anyone to like pickles until I got to this team. It’s not a huge thing where I come from. I’m just not really a fan. I think, I’m the odd one out here.”
