Gotham FC makes history with NWSL’s first White House ceremony

The champs made history.

Gotham FC became the first National Women’s Soccer League championship team to be celebrated at the White House on Monday when they took part in a special ceremony with President Joe Biden.

The occasion was an important landmark for the growth of the NWSL — with its champions getting recognized alongside their peers in other top American professional sports leagues — and a moment for Gotham players and staff to happily revisit their 2023 triumph.

Ali Krieger, the former Gotham captain who retired as a player following last season and recently assumed an ambassador role with the organization, and stalwart forward Midge Purce led the contingent joined by head coach Juan Carlos Amoros, members of the front office and team ownership.

“This moment is not just about titles or trophies; it’s about paving the way,” Krieger said. “Being the first is historic, but it’s even more important that we ensure we are not the last.”

Gotham went on a magical run through the postseason a year ago after qualifying on the final day of the regular season, winning three straight road games — culminating in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Reign FC in the title game.

It completed a remarkable worst-to-first turnaround for a club that went 4-17-1 in 2022.

“One thing is clear, this organization is no stranger to adversity,” Biden said from the East Room. “In 2022 Gotham placed last in the entire league and there were doubts about turning things around, but you never gave up.”

With a remade roster in 2024 (the new players were not part of the White House festivities), Gotham secured another postseason berth via a 1-0 win Sunday over the Utah Royals, ending a frantic run of three matches in six days.

Gotham (13-4-4), currently in third place in the NWSL standings, visits the first-place Kansas City Current on Saturday.