Let’s go back to the 2022 NWSL season. Gotham FC played 22 matches, won 4, drew 1, and lost 17 matches. With 16 goals scored and just 46 conceded, they ended the season in 12th position, securing 13 points. For people who watch soccer in England, it’s how Leicester City won the title in similar patterns. With odds of 5000-1 to win the title, they lifted the crown in an unprecedentedly successful season. Welcome Gotham FC to that group! Ali Krieger and Co. did the unthinkable.

Moreover, they finished 6th last season in the NWSL but went all the way to claim the NWSL title by defeating the OL Reign in the final. Visiting the White House remains customary for sports-winning teams, be it the NBA, MLS, or NFL. Gotham FC received a chance to visit the President of the United States, Joe Biden, in the White House. With all pleasantries exchanged, we will remember Ali Krieger for her inspiring speech.

Notably, she used the perfect platform to inspire young soccer players who want to carve out a professional career. In the coverage of the White House visit on YouTube, Ali Krieger mentioned, “Every time we step on the field, we think of young girls who dream the future in sports. This moment is not just about titles or trophies. It is about paving the way for them. Being the first is historic. But it’s even more important that we ensure we are not the last.”

Applauding their achievement, Joe Biden posted a video of Gotham FC’s White House visit, which garnered positive remarks on social media. He captioned, “Like Gotham FC Captain Ali Krieger said today, this moment isn’t about a title. It is about paving the way. That’s the power of this team. That’s the power of women’s sports.”

To sum up, even Biden couldn’t believe how “they turned things around” after the disastrous 2022 campaign as he spoke in the video. Well, we all don’t know how that transpired!

Ali Krieger and Gotham FC’s remarkable transformation!

Although Gotham FC won the title last season, much of the credit goes to its players for turning things around. Ali Krieger, Kelley O’Hara, Kristie Mewis, and Lynn Williams, to name a few, raised their performance levels to give them a chance. Hence, the team started playing solid soccer under coach Juan Carlos Amoros. He joined in 2023 and, in his very first season, led them to a miraculous title. Therefore, we have to credit him for some part of the success Gotham FC produced.

‘The Batties’, a catchy name, right? Yes, even Joe Biden “liked it,” changed how they played and found positive results. After winning the championship, Ali Krieger retired from soccer to focus on the next chapter of her life with her family.

All in all, it became an incredible season for Gotham FC in the NWSL and they surely deserve their visit to the White House. We won’t see another player like her in the history of women’s soccer. Cheers to Ali Krieger for a successful career and Gotham FC for inspiring multiple generations.