Gary Gibson
Been a wild week for Gotham FC. Lots of moves and milestones.
Gotham gets 1 point closer to the playoffs after getting a roster boost from returning captain Ali Krieger and Midge Purce off the injury list. Abby Smith made the 1 save she has to like always and earns herself another save of the week! Lets go over some news and notes.
There was a loud cheer in Red Bull Arena. Both home and away fans were clapping for the return of Mana Shim after 5 years away from the game.
Mana remained dedicated to making the sport better and safer for future players. She accepted a position as the leader of player safety committee setting out to oversee the recommendations in the Sally Yates report are being adhered to. A position she will continue to hold as she plays for Gotham FC. Mana was originally listed as a short term injury replacement. Coach Amoros reports that she is now a national team replacement player and will be with the team for the remainder of the season.
Gotham also announced two other national team replacement players Taylor Otto and Cyera Hintzen..
Taylor Otto is a 25 year old defensive midfielder and center back. spent 4 years as a North Carolina Tarheel Center Back. Played at every level of the USWNT u14 through u20s. Drafted by Racing Louisville and was utilized as a defensive Midfielder. First season a knee injury took her out for 2 months. Finished the season appearing in 9 games. Her sophomore season with the club she only played in 2 matches and then left to explore opportunities in Europe. She then joined Celtic where she played in 18 matches and scored 2 goals. Taylor is a big target on set pieces standing 5’10.
Cyera Hintzen is a 25 year old forward. Highly decorated player out of Texas University drafted by the Utah Royals. Spent her early professional career in Iceland. Cyera is an absolute goal scorer. Scored 5 goals 4 assists in 9 matches for the Perth Glory in 2021. And scored 14 goals in 21 games for her Icelandic club Valur in 2022.
Gotham returns to action at Red Bull Arena against the Portland Thorns sans national team players. Last time Portland came to Red Bull Arena one of the most incredible matches took place where Gotham clawed back from 3-1 to tie the game 3-3. Denying the visitors the shield.