Sam Kerr returns to Gotham FC before record New York crowd

Former Chelsea forward Sam Kerr began her second spell with Gotham FC before the largest crowd ever recorded for a women's sporting event in New York City. Over 42,000 spectators attended the match at Citi Field, where Gotham recorded a 1-0 victory.

The official attendance was announced as a sell-out 42,715. Kerr entered as a second-half substitute. She had previously played for the club, then known as Sky Blue FC, from 2015 to 2017.

Match details American midfielder Rose Lavelle scored the only goal in the first half. Gotham’s previous highest attendance was 15,560 in 2024. The current NWSL single-game record is 63,000, set last March at Empower Field in Denver. NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said the turnout reflected the club’s move to a new stadium in Queens.

"We know that with investment, if you build it, they will come. And this is a proof point for that," Berman said. The match took place despite smoke from wildfires in Ontario, Canada. Organizers expect conditions to improve before the World Cup final scheduled for Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium.