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The Cinderella Story of Gotham FC and Ali Krieger’s Farewell

By Arthur Fernandes

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 15: Ali Krieger #11 of NJ/NY Gotham FC wears the captain's armband that reads "Thank You Ali" during the final home season National Women's Soccer League game against the Kansas City Current at Red Bull Arena on October 15, 2023 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images)
HARRISON, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 15: Ali Krieger #11 of NJ/NY Gotham FC wears the captain's armband that reads "Thank You Ali" during the final home season National Women's Soccer League game against the Kansas City Current at Red Bull Arena on October 15, 2023 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images) /
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On Sunday night, the world of women’s soccer witnessed a heartwarming story of perseverance. Gotham FC, which finished at the bottom of the 2022 regular season, achieved an incredible turnaround by defeating the defending champions, the Portland Thorns, 1-0 in extra time. This extraordinary journey will take Gotham FC to the NWSL final, where they will face yet another challenge in pursuit of an unlikely title.

The standout heroine of this tale is forward Katie Stengel, who came off the bench to score the winning goal with a beautiful strike that left everyone on the field speechless. Her magical moment couldn’t have come at a better time, and she earned the title of MVP for the night, securing a special place in the hearts of Gotham FC fans.

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However, the night was also marked by the farewell of a true legend of American women’s soccer, Ali Krieger. This match, in which Krieger and her team managed to reach the final, marked the last chapter of a career filled with achievements and memorable moments. Her contribution to the sport and her influence as a role model for young athletes cannot be underestimated.

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 27: Captain Ali Krieger #11 of NJ/NY Gotham FC wears a wrist band with Contigo Jenni which translates to With Jenni in support for Jennifer Hermoso of the Spanish National Team, in the first half of the National Women’s Soccer League match against Racing Louisville FC at Red Bull Arena on August 27, 2023 in Harrison, New Jersey. Luis Rubiales, president of Spains soccer federation is under investigation after he forcibly kissed the player Jennifer Hermoso after Spains Womens World Cup victory. (Photo by Ira L. Black – Corbis/Getty Images)
HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 27: Captain Ali Krieger #11 of NJ/NY Gotham FC wears a wrist band with Contigo Jenni which translates to With Jenni in support for Jennifer Hermoso of the Spanish National Team, in the first half of the National Women’s Soccer League match against Racing Louisville FC at Red Bull Arena on August 27, 2023 in Harrison, New Jersey. Luis Rubiales, president of Spains soccer federation is under investigation after he forcibly kissed the player Jennifer Hermoso after Spains Womens World Cup victory. (Photo by Ira L. Black – Corbis/Getty Images) /

The game itself was an epic battle, with both teams fighting hard and creating numerous opportunities. Morgan Weaver of the Portland Thorns had a golden chance to score, but adverse weather conditions, including constant rain, made the game unpredictable and challenging for the players.

The incredible journey of Gotham FC is a reminder that in soccer, just as in life, nothing is impossible. Persistence, dedication, and self-belief can lead to surprising accomplishments. This team exemplifies these values and serves as an inspiration to all those who seek to overcome adversity.

As we look forward to the NWSL final in San Diego, Gotham FC and Ali Krieger will continue to be the protagonists of this captivating story. Soccer fans around the world eagerly anticipate whether this remarkable journey will culminate in a victory that will go down in the annals of the sport. After all, Cinderella stories are always the most exciting, and this one is certainly shaping up to be one of them.

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