Gotham FC’s Keeper Makes Her Debut Against KC Current FC
Yesterday, goalkeeper for Gotham FC, Shelby Hogan, made her debut with the team during their match against KC Current FC. The 27-year-old keeper signed with Gotham this past August after playing with the Portland Thorns since 2021. Her trade to Gotham brought her back home to the East Coast and into the heart of the NWSL 2025 season. Now, with only a few weeks away until the playoffs and the end of the season truly set into motion, Hogan makes her first appearance on the field representing Gotham.
It was announced that Gotham’s beloved goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger would be unable to play in yesterday’s match in Kansas due to suffering a knee injury. Soon after, the announcement regarding Hogan’s debut appearance followed. Yesterday’s match put many on edge for various reasons. As previously mentioned, with the playoff season soon to begin, many teams are on high alert, experiencing added stress and tension. In regard to Gotham specifically, after last week's draw against the Seattle Reign, a win would have worked in their favor, especially against the league's dominating team, the KC Current; however, last night’s match ended in a 2-1 loss for Gotham.
Though the score tells us about the Current’s victory, the game itself demonstrated that both teams continue to prove that they are top performers within the NWSL. The Current attempted to score a total of seven goals, five of which were within shooting range, and Hogan’s debut performance proved that there is much more she plans to bring to Gotham. Throughout her NWSL career, Hogan has demonstrated various examples of leadership as she likes to communicate with her backline. She shows no hesitation to connect with them and likes to secure a solid formation defensively. Her height gives her one of her greatest advantages as a goalkeeper, allowing her to leap effortlessly and tip the ball cleanly over the net. Last night, during the 32nd minute of the match against the Current, Hogan soared beautifully across the goal and tipped the ball over the crossbar with precision and control. Hogan has always maintained a constructively positive attitude as she always looks toward the future, ready for the next match. Though last night’s match may have been a learning moment, Gotham’s future and the rest of their 2025 season look bright with Hogan on their side as she brings years' worth of experience and shining leadership.
