Gotham FC will begin its Concacaf W Champions Cup title defense Wednesday night when it hosts Mexican powerhouse CF Monterrey Femenil at Icahn Stadium in Manhattan. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET. The match marks the start of Gotham’s campaign to defend its inaugural title and maintain its unbeaten record against Liga MX Femenil opponents, as the Bats look to continue building on last season’s historic international success.
The reigning champions come into the match aiming to build on the international success that defined the 2024–25 season. Gotham was unbeaten in the inaugural tournament’s group stage before defeating Club América in the semifinal and Tigres UANL in the final. Esther González scored the lone goal in the championship match, earning tournament Best Player honors, while goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger kept a clean sheet with several key saves. The victory secured Gotham its first international trophy and spots in both the 2026 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and the 2028 FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.
This year, Gotham is one of three NWSL clubs in the field, alongside Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit. Drawn into Group B, the club will face Washington, Alianza, Monterrey, and Vancouver Rise Academy across four matches. Monterrey, Wednesday’s opponent, sits fourth in Liga MX Femenil Apertura with a 5-2-0 record and comes into the match in strong form, having won four of their last five games, including back-to-back 5-0 victories. The Rayadas also qualified for last year’s Concacaf W Champions Cup but narrowly missed advancing past the group stage.
The two sides are familiar with one another, having played to a scoreless draw in last year’s group stage. Gotham has yet to lose to a Liga MX Femenil opponent, posting three wins and two draws while keeping clean sheets against both Tigres and Monterrey.
Key players again loom large for the defending champions. González remains Gotham’s most dangerous finisher, while Berger anchors the back line and provides leadership in goal. Midfielder Rose Lavelle has steadily regained form, offering vision, creativity, and the ability to link the attack and midfield — all elements that could prove decisive against Monterrey’s disciplined defense.
Gotham enters the match with momentum from their historic run last season and an undefeated record against Liga MX Femenil opponents. With key players in form and last year’s experience behind them, the Bats will look to start their title defense strong, set the tone for Group B, and continue building on their international legacy.
