Gotham’s Berger, Carter face Chelsea after team’s latest Euro signings, In April, Chelsea FC’s women’s squad, under the leadership of manager Emma Hayes, clinched yet another Women’s Super League (WSL) title, showcasing their dominance in European football. Among the standout performers were Ann-Katrin Berger and Jess Carter, who were key figures in Chelsea’s success. Fast forward to Monday night, the scene shifted from England to the U.S., as Chelsea took to the pitch at Red Bull Arena for an exhibition match as part of their American tour. This time, Berger and Carter were not in Chelsea blue but were instead representing Gotham FC, the reigning National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champions.

The presence of these two European stars on Gotham’s roster underscores a notable trend: Gotham FC has increasingly become a magnet for top international talent. Positioned fourth in the league as it resumed after the midseason Olympics break, Gotham’s recent recruitment strategy has highlighted its growing allure among European players. This influx of overseas talent is not only a testament to Gotham’s rising profile but also a crucial element in the team’s current success.

Gotham FC’s acquisition of Ann-Katrin Berger in April was a significant move. After falling down the pecking order at Chelsea, Berger quickly established herself as one of the premier goalkeepers in the NWSL. She has made an immediate impact, leading the league with an impressive 0.75 goals allowed per 90 minutes — having conceded just nine goals in twelve matches. Additionally, her advanced goalkeeper stat, plus-minus post-shot expected goals, ranks her second in the league with a plus-6.1 rating. Berger’s stellar performances with Gotham have also earned her the position of Germany’s No. 1 keeper at the Olympics. She showcased her skills by keeping the U.S. team scoreless for over 95 minutes in the semifinals, only conceding to Sophia Smith, and then played a pivotal role in Germany’s bronze-medal victory over Spain.

Reflecting on her move to Gotham, Berger expressed satisfaction with her achievements thus far. “I wanted to play in the Olympics, I wanted to make a difference here, and that was my two big achievements already,” she said. “So now I have to look for more targets, and the [NWSL championship] rings are actually looking really nice. So I wouldn’t be bothered if we would get one.”

Joining Berger at Gotham is Jess Carter, a 26-year-old defender who recently transitioned from Chelsea after six successful seasons. Carter, who is also engaged to Berger, made her Gotham debut over the midseason break during the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. In a match against Chelsea, Carter scored Gotham’s sole goal in a 3-1 defeat, marking her debut with a well-placed header off a set piece. “Chelsea never put me up for corners, they always left me at the back, so I was buzzing,” Carter remarked, highlighting the tactical shift in her new role.

Carter’s recruitment by Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós was driven by a desire to harness her defensive skills while developing her abilities on the ball. Amorós expressed his vision for Carter, emphasizing the importance of consistency and skillful play. “I’ve always been told, ‘Great defender, you know, defend,’” Carter noted. “But his first thing was we see what you can do on the ball, but we need that consistency. And he really wanted to help me improve that, and that, for me, stood out.”

The addition of Berger and Carter is part of a broader strategy that has seen Gotham bolster its squad with high-caliber international players. This approach mirrors the successful integration of players like Maitane López, a Spanish defender formerly with Atlético Madrid, and Esther González, a World Cup-winning forward from Spain who played a crucial role in Gotham’s NWSL championship last season.

Recently, Gotham announced the signing of forward Jéssica Silva, a Portuguese international who gave the U.S. team trouble during last summer’s World Cup and who most recently played for Benfica. Silva’s arrival is eagerly anticipated for the latter part of the season, which resumes this Saturday with a home game against the Portland Thorns.

Head coach Amorós articulates the club’s ambitions clearly: “We want to be a club that is recognized for the style, the environment we create, and the football we play. Having the best players in the world who fit our vision of exciting, winning football is who we want to be.” With its blend of domestic and international talent, Gotham FC is well-positioned to continue its rise as a formidable force in the NWSL.