Gotham FC is looking to sustain its recent success under the guidance of acting head coach Shaun Harris, who has taken the reins for seven weeks while head coach Juan Carlos Amorós is on parental leave. The team has achieved consecutive victories, including a win against rival Washington at a sold-out Citi Field and a dramatic comeback against Seattle.
These wins have propelled the defending champions to second place in the National Women's Soccer League standings, level on points with first-place Washington. Harris, who previously served as lead assistant coach, stepped into the interim role seamlessly, having briefly done so earlier in the season. He noted that Amorós has cultivated an environment where the team can continue its processes and move forward effectively during his absence.
"We just spoke about the period as a chance for the group to show that we can hold this s–t down without him," Harris said. "He’s created an environment where everyone can keep the same processes and keep moving forward."
The team's schedule continues with a road trip that includes matches against Portland Thorns, Bay FC, and Houston. This stretch will test Gotham's depth, especially with the recent additions of striker Sam Kerr and midfielder Denise O’Sullivan, who may see their first starts, and the absence of rookie forward Jordynn Dudley.
Outside back Bruninha expressed confidence in the team's ability to navigate the coaching transition. "Nothing changed, and our energy, our style, it’s the same," she said. Harris echoed this sentiment, stating, "We’ve been slowly building and preparing for these kind of moments. Obviously with Juan’s departure, that kind of unstabilizes things a little bit, but at the same time, we have our processes and everyone knows what needs to be done."