It’s hard to believe that this summer will herald another Women’s World Cup, but the stage is set, and Gotham FC will be well-represented in this international challenge.
Despite much of the drama (or lack thereof) from the USMNT performance this past year in the World Cup, the USWNT promises to deliver another top-notch performance as the American women continually are standard bearers for global women’s soccer.
Interestingly enough, this year’s Women’s World Cup will be jointly played in both Australia and New Zealand, which does provide some logistical issues for watching matches on television for American viewers. Nevertheless, the stature of the USWNT in the sport and this team’s odds of possibly winning yet another World Cup will no doubt ensure that plenty of American viewers (and international as well) will help bolster fan television numbers.
What will happen to the NWSL season during the World Cup?
The NWSL will not have a World Cup hiatus this summer when the international stage focuses its soccer attention from late July through late August. However, the NWSL is still playing it smart and did not schedule any matches for teams in the lead-up to the World Cup from July 10th through the 20th and again from August 7th through the 17th.
While there will still be matches in between those time periods, the NWSL will shift its focus to the Challenge Cup as those matches do not have a bearing on the overall NWSL standings and do not affect any team playoff positions.
Which Gotham FC players are in the World Cup?
Gotham FC will be well-represented in this year’s Women’s World Cup as the squad is sending no less than five different players representing three nations to the international competition. While it is a distinct honor to represent your country in the World Cup, these absences will be felt by Gotham FC, as will the other World Cup absences around the NWSL (and a primary reason why there will be fewer league matches during the tournament).
Gotham FC is represented in the World Cup by…
Sinead Farrelly // Ireland
Photo: —Farrelly has made her presence known again in the NWSL after an absence due to the previous league abuse scandal, and her experience, maturity, and insight have impacted Gotham FC.
Farrelly originally represented the United States internationally, but she holds dual citizenship with Ireland from her father and received the call-up from the Irish national team.
Kristie Mewis // USWNT
Mewis is part of the heart and soul of Gotham FC, and the same can be said about her continual service to the USWNT. Mewis is no stranger to international competitions and will undoubtedly help anchor the U.S. midfield during the tournament.
Kelly O’Hara // USWNT
This will be the fourth World Cup for O’Hara, and the seasoned veteran is a welcome sight in the U.S. uniform.
Ifeoma Onumonu // Nigeria
Photo: —The Gotham FC forward will be representing Nigeria in the World Cup this year. Onumonu was born in the United States (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) and previously represented the U.S. in youth competitions, including the U-23 team, but since 2021 she’s been representing Nigeria.
Lynn Williams // USWNT
Williams has been the spark, along with Midge Purce, in the Gotham FC attacking third this season, and her seven goals this season are a testament to her offensive prowess.
Again, Williams is no stranger to international competition, and her 15 international goals will help anchor the USWNT offensive during the tournament.
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