Harrison, NJ – 11/12/2024 – Gotham FC is celebrating a historic season with two well-deserved nominations for year-end NWSL honors.
Goalkeeper Ann Katrin Berger is a finalist for NWSL Keeper of the Year, while Head Coach Juan Carlos Amoros is a finalist for NWSL Coach of the Year.
Ann Katrin Berger: A Fortress Between the Posts
Berger, Germany’s Footballer of the Year 2024, has been a stalwart for Gotham FC this season. Her exceptional shot-stopping abilities, passing range with the ball at her feet, commanding presence in the box, and ability to organize the defense have been instrumental in the team's success.
Gotham has always had great keepers. Berger stands above them all as the best keeper in franchise history. Berger's impact extends beyond her on-field performances. Her leadership and experience have been invaluable to an ambitious Gotham FC squad. She has consistently demonstrated a calm and composed demeanor, even in the most high-pressure situations. You just have a belief that she will get there.
Berger had been languishing a bit at Chelsea. She has had a resurgence and a career year at Gotham. Earning National team call-ups and a long term contract. She’s the best keeper in the league and she is here to stay.
Juan Carlos Amoros: Architect of a Resurgent Gotham FC
Amoros, who took over as head coach in 2023, has overseen a remarkable turnaround for Gotham FC. Under his guidance, the team has shown significant improvement in both attack and defense. He brought a bottom of the table team to the first 6th seed to win a championship in one of the greatest turnaround stories in sports history.
Photo Credit Gotham FC
Amoros' tactical acumen, player development, and ability to create a positive team culture have been key factors in Gotham FC's resurgence. He has instilled a belief in his players and has fostered a winning mentality within the club. Despite having a very unique system that requires every player to be on the same page with high pressing and a high back line he’s been able to win with an ever rotating cast of players. Even in the Summer Cup Final where Gotham had to bring in multiple retired players just to fill a roster, Gotham held their own and were the better team for a lot of that match. This highlights his communication ability and to make complex things simple.
Amoros rotates his line-ups often, allowing for each player to get a run of games so that they are always ready when called upon. Last season Gotham did not have a consecutive starting 11 in any game until the playoffs. He’s been able to manage a roster full of top to bottom talent, injuries, competitions, and get the maximum out of this squad. Gotham just had the best season of any team after winning a championship. The team did not rest on their laurels. They are two wins away from back to back championships. Amoros deserves a lot of credit.
Gotham FC fans are encouraged to vote for Berger and Amoros on https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/national-women-s-soccer-league-announces-2024-nwsl-award-finalists-opens-fan-voting-round . All votes must be submitted by Friday, November 15, at 3 p.m. ET.
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