From Gotham FC
Gotham FC Press Conference Top Quotes
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Juan Carlos Amorós, head coach
Jess Carter, defender
HEAD COACH JUAN CARLOS AMORÓS
On tomorrow’s match against North Carolina and thoughts on Decision Day
The first is obviously a fantastic game tomorrow here in North Carolina. There's going to be a
fantastic atmosphere that's gonna prepare us really well for next week with the playoffs. They've
got a sold-out crowd, so congrats to them. That's something we all love to see, whether it is on
our ground or somewhere else. That's something we're very excited about.
About Decision Day, I've been in the league now for a few years. I've seen both sides, and this
is definitely how it should be. Teams not having competitive advantages, knowing what they
need to do and the excitement of keeping an eye on what's happening everywhere for the fans
is something very special. Knowing how this league is and how tight everything is, it's clever to
arrange it like that at the beginning of the year because there is always something to play for on
this last fixture and it's a lot of work that going into the year, and sometimes it can feel that it can
be jeopardized if a team already knows that maybe instead of winning needs a draw situations
like that. I think it is definitely something very positive from the league and they’ve done a great
job.
On offensive improvements heading into the playoffs
We’re happy with how we’re creating chances. We’re creating opportunities on set pieces, in
open play, after longer possessions and in transitions. Sometimes it’s just about the final details.
One thing we spoke about a lot at the beginning of the year was having more people adding to
the scoreboard. Last game it was Rose [Lavelle] and Jaelin Howell, two of our midfielders
adding to that tally.
Despite not having Esther [González] regularly lately, the team is still finding the back of the net.
Katie [Stengel]’s been great — obviously, she’d want to score more goals, but she’s doing a
fantastic job. The same with Midge [Purce], Jaedyn [Shaw] – everyone is doing a really good job
creating. Now it’s a question of being a bit more clinical, but also securing things defensively.
We know that when we have a clean sheet, we have a much bigger chance to win. That’s
something we haven’t had in the last couple of games, and we place a lot of value on it. I want
to make sure we go into the playoffs with hopefully another clean sheet.
On the team’s strong performances on the road this season
We’re second or third in the league in terms of results away from home. Maybe the strength
comes from the preparation – being away, the players spend a lot of time together, and
everyone is really focused on the game. The vibes and the connection between the players and
the staff are very good, so maybe it’s that.
Unfortunately, we had a period of the year at Sports Illustrated Stadium where we had three
home games, and the pitch was horrible to play on. That really didn’t help us. We didn’t win
games, and that probably had an impact on our overall form this year. Those three games, we
really couldn’t play our style because the pitch was unplayable, and maybe that’s where we
dropped four or five points.
Sometimes it’s just football – the beauty of the game is that you never know what’s going to
happen. You create your own luck, but certain moments can go your way or against you. Maybe
away from home, we’ve been able to find those moments a bit more than at home.
The performances have been very good. For example, in the last game against [Racing]
Louisville, we dominated, created all sorts of chances, hit the crossbar twice and put them under
pressure. We were just very unfortunate in both of the goals. Sometimes, that’s football.
On potentially ending with the second-highest point total in Gotham history and the team’s
resilience
It’s kind of the reason why we are here now. We came to Gotham three years ago – not only
me, but with Shaun [Harris], Ak [Lakhani] and a few of the coaches who joined us in this
adventure. We wanted to create something new, to make sure Gotham was recognized for its
playing style and ability to achieve results.
Being in the playoffs for the third time in a row is a big accomplishment. Last year we got more
points than this one, but this season is still probably the second-best regular season in the
club’s history. We’ve been able to change how other clubs, fans in America and people around
the world see Gotham. That said, we’re also a bit disappointed because we wanted to be higher
in the table and to win more.
It’s also important to look at things with perspective. We’ve changed about 15 players from last
year — only 10 or 11 remain from that record-breaking team – and that kind of turnover takes
time to adapt. After 10 games, we were 10th in the league, but in the last 15 games, we’re
second based on points. That period of adaptation was something we knew we’d have to go
through, and credit to the players and staff for how they’ve responded.
We’ve reached a point where the players know their level, the expectations and what they can
achieve when they’re at their best. We all believe we can go together and achieve big things,
starting tomorrow.
On his message to the fans who have supported the club all season
I really want to thank them. For us to be able to play that playoff home game would be a reward
for them. They’ve been absolutely incredible all year, home and away. In so many games, we
see our sections of Gotham fans wherever we go in the country, and they’ve given so much to
us.
We’ve had two fantastic connection days where we were able to meet a lot of our season ticket
holders. They’re really passionate, and we’re just as passionate as they are. They’re the reason
we do our job, and we’d love to get that win – and hopefully, with the other results going our
way, play a playoff home game in front of them and with them. That’s the beauty of playing at
home – you don’t just play in front of them, you play with them. That would be really special for
us.
I can guarantee the players have worked incredibly hard these last few weeks to make sure
they’re ready. I was talking yesterday to the Americans who just returned and the players who
were playing in Europe – all of them were really looking forward to coming back here to play for
Gotham and to help secure that playoff home game in front of our fans. It would be really
special.
On the differences he is expecting from the first meeting against North Carolina this season
Sean [Nahas] has done an amazing job with North Carolina. Since I came here, I’ve always
been a big fan of his style and the way he works. One thing that’s now much more recognizable
in the NWSL – and a big credit to him – is how teams have more of a clear style. In my first few
years here, teams were still changing a lot between games, but now most have a defined
identity, and that’s thanks to people like Sean who really established something in North
Carolina.
With Nathan [Thackeray], they’ve continued doing a good job, so credit to him as well. They’ve
adjusted a few things in the way they play, and they have certain players who are very important
in their system. Denise O’Sullivan, for example, is one of the best midfielders in the league – for
me, someone who doesn’t get the recognition she deserves because she’s an outstanding
player. When she’s not around, the team plays a bit differently, but I expect her to play tomorrow
after returning from international duty with Ireland.
There are some slight differences in how they play, but they’re still a very dangerous team.
They’ve reinforced the back line with Natalie [Jacobs], who I know well and respect – she’s a
very good defender. Manaka [Matsukubo] is also doing a great job. We’ll see how it plays out,
but hopefully it’s an exciting game ahead.
On if tomorrow’s atmosphere can help prepare Gotham for a playoff atmosphere
We didn’t plan for it, but we’d obviously love to come here knowing that a win would give us a
home playoff game. Unfortunately, we just have to wait on other results. One thing that’s been
outstanding is the fact that they’ve got a sold-out crowd – credit to them. Whether it’s at our
place or another stadium, that’s something we really appreciate.
The players are very excited to play in front of all those fans. The atmosphere is going to be
great, and it’ll hopefully prepare us for a playoff home game – but even if it’s an away game, it’s
a valuable experience. The environment, the communication between me and the players, and
between the players themselves all feel different in front of a big crowd. It adds another layer of
emotion. It’s something very special and something that can definitely help us prepare for the
playoffs.
DEFENDER JESS CARTER
On facing North Carolina on Decision Day and the expected atmosphere
I’m really excited. I haven’t played North Carolina yet, so I’m not sure what to expect from the
crowd, to be honest. With it being Decision Day, I’m hoping the fans come out – whether it’s for
us or against us – because it helps create a really exciting environment.
I’m expecting a big challenge. North Carolina is a great team and will be tough to beat. There’s
a lot on the line for them, so I’m just hoping for a really good, exciting and feisty game.
On how she uses her previous experiences to help herself and her teammates in big matches
It’s just about making sure we focus on us – focusing on what we can control and what we can
do, and trying to block out the outside noise. You can’t control how the opposition plays or how
their fans react. You can only control what we do. So it’s about focusing on us, and that’s the
key message.
On this season and how the team is grown as a collective as it approaches the playoffs
Having new signings is always difficult, and sometimes it’s even harder when they come in
midseason. But the additions we’ve had have been great – they’ve fitted into the team so well,
as if they’ve been here just as long as I have, which is only a year.
Jaedyn [Shaw], being our newest addition, feels like she’s always been here. It’s been really
nice how easily everyone has integrated into the squad. I think that gives us more confidence
going into the playoffs – we’re getting more connected as a team, and hopefully that helps with
our connection on the pitch. The more time we have together, the better we’ll get.
On how she approaches Decision Day with other results around the league impacting Gotham’s
position
The focus has to be on us doing our job. We’re not going to get complacent just because we’ve
already clinched. We want to finish as high in the table as possible and try to get that home
playoff spot – that’s really key for us. It’s not about focusing on the occasion, it’s about focusing
on our basics and doing what we need to do to pick up three points tomorrow.
On the differences she is expecting from North Carolina under Nathan Thackeray
To