A look back at the 2024 predictions for Gotham FC | OneFootball

After the NWSL Championship in 2023, many thought NJ/NY Gotham FC would have a great 2024.  The Bats brought in some USWNT stars and other talented players.  The 2023 Head Coach of the Year was still the leader of the team and had more depth to work with.  More importantly, the environment of the club has improved significantly over the years, making them a team one would want to play on.

As such, Skyscraper Blues made three predictions for the recent campaign.  The positivity surrounding the Gotham FC ladies made it feasible to make positive predictions.

While the Bats did not win any trophies, they still had a successful 2024.  Gotham FC finished the regular season in third place, made the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup Finals, and reached the semifinals of the playoffs.  The team had one of the best defensive performances of the NWSL sides and increased their goal output by the end of the year.

So, how did Skyscraper Blues do with the 2024 predictions for Gotham FC?  Take a look at the results below.

A look back at the Gotham FC predictions for 2024

3. Gotham FC will finish the year in first, second, or third

As mentioned, Gotham FC signed multiple stars and talented players before the 2024 season.  The team's increased roster depth and Juan Carlos Amorós' second year in charge meant many felt the Bats could have a stronger season.

Therefore, the first prediction was that Gotham would end the year in first, second, or third place in the NWSL standings.  Since the NJ/NY side finished in third, this came true.  It was close too.  The top four spots were separated by five points, with second and third place separated based on goal differential.  The Washington Spirit and the Bats were tied with 56 points, so the Spirit finished in second since they had the better goal difference by two goals.

It was thought where Gotham FC would place in the standings would be because of one or two games.  If the Bats would have won one more, or beat the Washington Spirit in one of the two regular season matches, then they would have finished in second place instead.

2. Gotham will make one big signing over the summer

There were some questions whether Gotham FC would be busy during the summer window after the incredible one during the offseason.  It was expected it would not be too busy, but some additions would be made while a few players would leave.

In addition, most signings likely would be done for depth purposes to enhance.  However, the second prediction was that the team would sign a big-name player.  It could be in an area that needed help or someone who is one of the best players in her position. It was also thought the new player would be from overseas.

In the end, Gotham FC made a big signing over the summer.  The club signed Jess Carter, an English international and defender for Chelsea F.C. Women.  She was a starter with the London team so it was not shocking she started most of the remaining matches she was available for.  She predominantly played as a right-back but also played as a center-back, which is her natural position.

Carter was a game-changer and enhanced the defense even more.  Her versatility meant she was extremely valuable to Amorós and had strong performances regardless of where she played.

The fact this prediction came true, Gotham FC signed a big-name player from overseas, and Carter played well means the team will always try to improve and enhance the team.  This shows the Bats mean business when it comes to competing in the NWSL.

1. Esther González and Lynn Williams will compete for the top scorer

Gotham FC had multiple players who could compete as the top scorer.  There was plenty of attacking talent, and the club brought in more players for 2024.  Midfielders like Rose Lavelle could score while increasing the service for the Bats’ forwards.  Then, some of the signings brought in meant many expected the goals to be spread out.

The final prediction was that Esther González and Lynn Williams would compete for the top goal scorer on the team.  Previously, Esther was limited with her opportunities since she joined Gotham in the summer of 2023 while Williams struggled to score in the second half of the season.  It was thought the two would do better this season and would have the most goals of the players.

However, Williams did not score as many as expected due to missing time due to injury.  In the NWSL, including the playoffs, she had only four goals.  Esther scored the most goals, with ten, while Lavelle had the second-most, with eight.  Although, in total, Esther had 12 goals in all competitions and Williams had seven.  In some ways, there was competition.  But other players like Lavelle, Yazmeen Ryan, and Ella Stevens also competed for the most goals, for they had eight, nine, and eight goals respectively in all competitions.  Hence, Ryan had the second-most goals overall.

In some ways, Esther scoring the most goals means this prediction was half correct.  One can only wonder whether Williams would have had more without the missed time in 2024.