This week on The IX Sports Podcast Soccer Edition, host Kathleen Gier walks listeners through developments across the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
The top story this week is that Gotham FC will be getting their own stadium in New York City. The team has played at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, since 2020, but will make the move across the Hudson to play at Etihad Park in Queens beginning in 2028. The venue is the first soccer-specific park in New York City, and is set to have a capacity of about 25,000.
“I love this move for Gotham,” Gier said. She echoed comments from NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, who pointed out the importance of dedicated spaces. The importance of those spaces has been made even more clear this year, with facility-sharing arrangements that had to be negotiated to accommodate the Men’s FIFA World Cup.
“But as we continue to kind of run into scheduling conflicts, or even just not having dedicated spaces, I think that the league will only get better from here, as they’re able to control their own schedules, control their own training environments. And it’s what these players deserve,” Gier said.
Gier then jumped into a recap of the NWSL’s return from the summer break due to the Men’s FIFA World Cup.
The biggest surprise of the weekend, Gier said, came from the Chicago Stars, who defeated the Utah Royals, ending the club’s 10-match win streak.
“Could this be a breakthrough for Chicago? Maybe. We’ll see. It’s definitely something that they’ve been waiting for … but Chicago, again, one of those teams that has a lot of really great pieces, but just hasn’t been able to put it together,” Gier said.
She added that she sees Chicago coming from behind to win the match as a good sign.
“It shows a lot of patience on the side of their offense, but also a really strong statement for their defense. They do give up those two goals, but then they’re able to hold out, let the offense score, and then let the offense finally take that lead in stoppage time. So, definitely interested to see what the Chicago team is able to do, maybe a little bit of momentum from this match,” Gier said.
Tune in to the episode to hear more about league’s current standings and how the Kansas City Current are looking after their loss to Gotham in the Challenge Cup.
Make sure to subscribe to The IX Sports Podcast for in-depth coverage of women’s soccer, hockey and basketball; and tune in each weekday morning for a quick overview of the biggest headlines on Women’s Sports Daily, like WNBA news and PWHL expansion updates.
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