Gotham FC

Following the growth of women's soccer in the United States in the 1990s, the first attempt at a fully professional women's league, the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA), was founded in 2000.{{cite web|url=https://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/research-projects/womens-soccer-in-the-u-s/womens-soccer-after-1999/womens-united-soccer-assocation/|title=Women's United Soccer Association|website=Soccer Politics|last1=Miller|first1=Gretchen|last2=Scheyer|first2=Jonathan|last3=Sherrard|first3=Emily|date=December 6, 2009 |access-date=February 4, 2021}} However, after playing just three seasons the WUSA folded in 2003. Almost immediately following the folding of the WUSA, attempts were made to relaunch the league, although each of these initially came to naught. Finally, in December 2006, an agreement was reached to establish a new professional women's league, consisting of teams from Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., as well as an undetermined sixth city located somewhere in the Western United States.{{cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2007/02/26/daily25.html|title=Cooper invests in women's pro soccer|date=February 28, 2007|work=St. Louis Business Journal|last=Lefton|first=Terry|access-date=February 4, 2021}} Originally planned to begin play in 2008, the launch of this new league, dubbed Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), was subsequently pushed back to 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.wsii.org/wsii/2007/09/womens-professi.html|title=Women's Professional Soccer League to Launch in 2009|date=September 4, 2007|website=Women's Soccer Initiative, Inc.|access-date=February 4, 2021}} Boston and the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area were also selected to host clubs to participate in the inaugural WPS season.

Sky Blue FC was originally founded in 2006 as Jersey Sky Blue, playing in the USL W-League in 2007,{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/about-us/|title=ABOUT US|website=skybluefc.com|access-date=February 4, 2021|archive-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304174942/https://skybluefc.com/about-us/|url-status=dead}} a semi-professional league that served as part of the second division of women's soccer in the United States. Future governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy and his wife Tammy Murphy were co-founders of the team,{{cite web|url=https://www.roi-nj.com/2020/03/05/lifestyle/tammy-murphy-sky-blue-fcs-new-women-leaders-are-rebuilding-n-j-soccer-team-for-success/|title=Tammy Murphy, Sky Blue FC's new women leaders are rebuilding N.J. soccer team for success|website=ROI-NJ.com|last=Fry|first=Meg|date=March 5, 2020|access-date=February 4, 2021}} alongside businessman Steven H. Temares, Francesco Prandoni{{cite press release |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/nj-ny-professional-womens-soccer-team-gets-a-name-sky-blue-fc/n-3715990 |title=NJ/NY Professional Women's Soccer Team Gets a Name: Sky Blue FC |date=September 9, 2008 |access-date=February 4, 2021 |work=OurSportsCentral |publisher=Sky Blue FC}} and Thomas Hofstetter.{{cite web|url=https://thomashofstetter.com/about/|title=About|website=thomashofstetter.com|access-date=February 4, 2021}} The Murphys would later claim that their motivation in founding the club was as an example to their daughter, in order to prove that there was a viable pathway for women in the United States to play professional soccer.{{cite web|url=https://archive.thinkprogress.org/phil-murphy-womens-soccer-535a57130d0f/|title=NJ governor bought a women's soccer team to inspire his daughter, but ran it into the ground|last=Gibbs|first=Lindsay|date=July 30, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2021|work=ThinkProgress}} By September 2007, the club had been selected to fulfill the New York/New Jersey slot in Women's Professional Soccer and rebranded as Sky Blue FC. Following this move, the Jersey Sky Blue name initially remained in use for a feeder team in the W-League, although it later rebranded as the Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues. Co-founder Thomas Hofstetter, who served as president of Sky Blue FC until 2013, also served as chairman of the feeder team until their folding in 2010. As of 2018, Phil Murphy was a majority shareholder of the team.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/politics/2018/07/murphy_orders_that_players_on_the_pro_soccer_club_he_owns_be_treated_like_pros.html|title=Murphy orders that players on the pro soccer club he owns be treated like pros|first=Brent Johnson | NJ Advance Media for|last=NJ.com|date=July 19, 2018|website=nj}}

Sky Blue FC named Ian Sawyers as its first head coach and general manager on March 5, 2008. However, it was not until September 9, 2008, that the New York/New Jersey outfit was officially unveiled under the name Sky Blue FC. One week later, the U.S. women's national team allocation took place with Heather O'Reilly, Natasha Kai, and Christie Pearce allocated to Sky Blue FC.{{cite news| url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2008/09/wps_allocation_list.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519105225/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2008/09/wps_allocation_list.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=May 19, 2011 | newspaper=The Washington Post | title=WPS Allocation List | access-date=May 23, 2010}}

On September 24, the 2008 WPS International Draft was held. Sky Blue FC drafted Australia national team forward Sarah Walsh in the first round, Brazil national team members Rosana and Ester in the second and third rounds respectively, finished with Canada national team midfielder Kelly Parker in the fourth round.{{cite web |url=http://www.womensprosoccer.com/newsitem_ektid5106.aspx |title=Women's Professional Soccer - home of pro soccer players :: News Detail :: WPS holds Initial International Draft |access-date=October 21, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028155955/http://www.womensprosoccer.com/newsitem_ektid5106.aspx |archive-date=October 28, 2008 }} In addition to these picks, Sky Blue FC also named Australia national team midfielder Collette McCallum and England national team defender Anita Asante as post-draft discovery players on September 26, 2008, and October 2, 2008, respectively, and were awarded their WPS playing rights.

To further assign player rights, on October 6 the 2008 WPS General Draft took place. Sky Blue FC drafted Cori Alexander, Keeley Dowling, Kacey White, and Jenny Hammond.{{cite web |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/282649.html |title=United Soccer Leagues (USL) |access-date=October 17, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203124904/http://www.uslsoccer.com/home/282649.html |archive-date=February 3, 2012 }} Ian Sawyers closed out 2008 by choosing Kelly Lindsey to be his assistant coach on December 3.

The new year brought new players. On January 16, the 2009 WPS Draft was held. Sky Blue FC drafted Yael Averbuch, Meghan Schnur, Karen Bardsley, Christie Shaner, Julianne Sitch, Jen Buczkowski, Zhang Ouying, Mary Therese McDonnell, Mele French, and Fanta Cooper.http://www.womensprosoccer.com/newsitem_ektid7750.aspx{{dead link|date=May 2017}}

{{main|2009 Sky Blue FC season}}

Sky Blue FC kicked off its inaugural season on April 5, 2009, dropping a 2–0 decision to Los Angeles Sol at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey. It played its next game at the venue before moving permanently to Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University.

Image:Blue Sky 2009.jpg

The team stuttered to one win and two draws in their first six games, scoring only 3 goals in the process, before head coach and general manager Ian Sawyers was suspended indefinitely by the team for disagreements on May 23, 2009. He was eventually relieved of his duties as head coach and general manager on May 28, 2009. In his absence, Kelly Lindsey stepped in as the interim and slowly started to turn around Sky Blue FC's on-field fortunes. She was eventually permanently installed as head coach on June 19, 2009, by then General Manager Gerry Marrone.

Lindsey's time at the helm was short-lived as she abruptly resigned from her position on July 30, 2009. She had won five games and drawn three others in her twelve total matches before Christie Rampone was named the second interim of the year and third head coach overall by Marrone. Her position also included playing on the field and she was the first player/manager in WPS history. Rampone led Sky Blue FC into 4th position and secured the final playoff spot for the 2009 playoffs. Sky Blue FC upended both Washington Freedom and Saint Louis Athletica to make the championship game against Los Angeles Sol. A 16th minute Heather O'Reilly strike earned Sky Blue FC the championship on August 22, 2009, beating the Sol on their own home field of The Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

Image:Sky Blue FC at the White House 2010-07-01 8.jpg

Sky Blue's victory was seen as an upset,{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/241208-sky-blue-fc-upsets-sol-to-claim-2009-wps-championship|title=Sky Blue FC Upsets Sol to Claim 2009 WPS Championship|last=Civin|first=Todd|work=Bleacher Report|date=August 23, 2009|access-date=July 27, 2020}} and later described as "an all-time underdog story."{{cite web|url=https://www.allforxi.com/2020/5/19/21262531/sky-blue-fc-surprise-wps-champions-2009-underdog-rise|title=Sky Blue FC's surprise 2009 championship run is an all-time underdog story|last=McCauley|first=Kim|website=AllForXI.com|date=May 19, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}} Sky Blue were later invited to the White House, where President Barack Obama hailed their success in the inaugural WPS season.{{cite news|url=https://www.nj.com/soccer-news/2010/07/sky_blue_fc_honored_by_preside.html|title=Sky Blue FC honored by President Obama at White House|work=NJ.com|date=July 2, 2010|access-date=July 27, 2020}}

{{main|2010 Sky Blue FC season||2011 Sky Blue FC season}}

With two additional teams, Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence, joining the league for 2010, Sky Blue FC were destined to lose players from their championship-winning side. On September 15, the 2009 WPS Expansion Draft was held with Jen Buczkowski moving to Philadelphia and Noelle Keselica headed to Atlanta.

Sky Blue FC announced on September 29, 2009, that former Finnish National Team player Pauliina Miettinen would be head coach of the team for the 2010 season after completing her coaching duties with PK-35 Vantaa.

Sky Blue FC started its title defense on April 11, 2010, when it hosted the Chicago Red Stars at Yurcak Field. The team wasted little time in gaining its first goal on the young season, with forward Tasha Kai scoring on a fourth-minute strike to lead her team to an eventual 1–0 victory. Sky Blue FC found itself having some trouble tallying goals as the season progressed and held a 5–6–3 record when head coach Pauliina Miettinen was relieved of her duties. Immediately replacing her was assistant coach Rick Stainton, who led the team to a 2–4–4 record the rest of the way. After settling for three draws to conclude its sophomore campaign, Sky Blue FC finished the year in fifth place in the regular season standings and just missed the postseason.

The 2011 season marked the first at the helm by decorated women's soccer coach Jim Gabarra, who had spent the past decade with the Washington Freedom. Prior to the start of the regular season, Sky Blue FC headed to Turkey for the preseason, playing to the finals of the Alanya International Women's Tournament of Champions, where it fell to team partner LdB FC Malmö, 1–0. Also participating in the tournament were Russian side FK Energiya and Danish club Fortuna Hjørring (who Sky Blue FC defeated in a penalty shootout in the semifinals).

Sky Blue FC kicked off the WPS regular season on April 10, 2011, at Yurcak Field, playing the Philadelphia Independence to a 2–2 draw. The team then hit the road for three games, suffering three consecutive defeats, before returning home for a pair of wins. After two more draws and another victory, Sky Blue FC found itself amid the longest unbeaten streak in franchise history (five matches). The team kicked off that streak on May 21, 2011, with a 3–0 win over the Atlanta Beat, its then-largest margin of victory.

The club went 1–2 in its next three games before entering the final four matches of the regular season. After suffering defeats in each of those games, Sky Blue FC came up just short of the playoffs after finishing even with the Boston Breakers for the final postseason spot (Boston took the season tiebreaker).

After the WPS announced the suspension of the 2012 season, Sky Blue FC announced a partnership with the New Jersey Wildcats of the W-League, which included sharing coaching staff. {{citation needed|date=December 2013}}

{{main|2013 Sky Blue FC season||2014 Sky Blue FC season||2015 Sky Blue FC season}}

In November 2012, it was announced that Sky Blue FC would be one of eight teams in a new women's professional soccer league sponsored by the United States Soccer Federation, the Canadian Soccer Association and the Mexican Football Federation.{{cite web|url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2012/11/21/eight-teams-to-start-new-womens-pro-soccer-league-in-2013/|title=Equalizer Soccer – Eight teams to start new women's pro soccer league in 2013|date=November 21, 2012 |access-date=May 13, 2017}} The league, known as the National Women's Soccer League, began play in spring 2013.

Image:2013-04-27 Spirit - Sky Blue-25.jpg during the 2013 season.]]

For the 2013 season, Sky Blue were allocated seven players from North American federations, including Kelley O'Hara, Jillian Loyden, Christie Rampone, and Sophie Schmidt.{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2013/01/11/sky-blue-fc-allocated-seven-national-team-players/|title=Sky Blue FC Allocated Seven National Team Players|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=January 11, 2013|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728042555/https://skybluefc.com/2013/01/11/sky-blue-fc-allocated-seven-national-team-players/|url-status=dead}} On May 19, the club recorded their third consecutive victory and their fifth overall, marking the club's best-ever start to a season.{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2013/05/19/sky-blue-fc-gets-offensive-in-3rd-straight-win/|title=Sky Blue FC Gets Offensive in 3rd Straight Win|date=May 19, 2013|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728064616/https://skybluefc.com/2013/05/19/sky-blue-fc-gets-offensive-in-3rd-straight-win/|url-status=dead}} On June 1, 2013, the team extended their run of consecutive victories to five with a 5–1 win over the Boston Breakers at Yurcak Field. In so doing, Sky Blue became the first team to score five goals in a single match in the nascent National Women's Soccer League.{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/6/6/4387700/sky-blue-fc-vs-boston-breakers-final-score-result|title=Sky Blue FC vs Boston Breakers: Final Score 5-1, De Vanna Bicycle kick takes the cake|date=June 6, 2013|access-date=August 4, 2020|work=SB Nation|last=Drot|first=Kareen}} The team's form later slumped in the second half of the regular season, though Sky Blue ultimately finished in 4th place, earning a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2009.{{cite web|url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2013/08/23/western-new-york-flash-nwsl-semifinal-preview-sky-blue-fc-abby-wambach/|title=Clean slate of playoffs welcomed by Sky Blue FC|last=Kassouf|first=Jeff|work=The Equalizer|date=August 23, 2013|access-date=July 27, 2020}} Sky Blue were later eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, suffering a 2–0 defeat to the Western New York Flash.

The following season, Sky Blue failed to win any of their opening four matches.{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2014/05/02/sky-blue-fc-in-search-of-first-win-of-the-season-on-may-3/|title=Sky Blue FC in Search of First Win of the Season on May 3|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=May 2, 2014|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728042557/https://skybluefc.com/2014/05/02/sky-blue-fc-in-search-of-first-win-of-the-season-on-may-3/|url-status=dead}} After defeating the Boston Breakers on May 3, Sky Blue again went on a winless streak until June 25, when they secured a 2–1 victory over the Portland Thorns.{{cite web|url=http://www.empireofsoccer.com/cutshall-header-portland-26891/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705093222/http://www.empireofsoccer.com/cutshall-header-portland-26891/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 5, 2014|title=Cutshall Header Leads Sky Blue FC Past Portland|date=June 25, 2014|access-date=July 27, 2020|work=Empire of Soccer}} The 2014 season ended with a five-game win streak,{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2014/08/20/sky-blue-fc-ends-2014-season-with-five-match-winning-streak/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728044120/https://skybluefc.com/2014/08/20/sky-blue-fc-ends-2014-season-with-five-match-winning-streak/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 28, 2020|title=Sky Blue FC Ends 2014 Season with Five-Match Winning Streak|date=August 20, 2014|publisher=Sky Blue FC|access-date=July 27, 2020}} though this proved insufficient to overcome earlier poor form and Sky Blue finished the season in 6th place, failing to qualify for the playoffs.

The 2015 season was similarly marred by poor form. After winning their opening match of the season, Sky Blue went on a winless streak until July 11. The game marked the debut for Australian international Sam Kerr, who scored the winning goal.{{cite web|url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2015/07/11/sam-kerr-goal-sky-blue-fc-beats-portland-thorns-ends-10-game-winless-streak/|title=Kerr's debut delivers Sky Blue first win since April|author=The Equalizer Staff|work=The Equalizer|date=July 11, 2015|access-date=July 27, 2020}} Sky Blue ultimately finished the season in 8th place, having won only five games out of 20, and once more failing to qualify for the playoffs.

Following the 2015 season, head coach Jim Gabarra reached an agreement with Sky Blue to be released from his contract, having agreed terms to join the Washington Spirit.{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2015/10/14/sky-blue-fc-agrees-to-mutual-release-with-head-coach-jim-gabarra/|title=Sky Blue FC Agrees to Mutual Release with Head Coach Jim Gabarra|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=October 14, 2015|access-date=July 28, 2020|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728042544/https://skybluefc.com/2015/10/14/sky-blue-fc-agrees-to-mutual-release-with-head-coach-jim-gabarra/|url-status=dead}} Gabarra's assistant, Christy Holly, was later named his successor for the 2016 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/article/christy-holly-named-head-coach-of-sky-blue-fc/|title=Christy Holly named head coach of Sky Blue FC|last=Greco|first=Richard|date=January 14, 2016|access-date=July 28, 2020|website=NJ.com}}

{{main|2016 Sky Blue FC season||2017 Sky Blue FC season}}

Sky Blue FC opened its 2016 season at Seattle Reign in thrilling fashion on Sunday, April 17, 2016, winning 2–1 and handing two-time defending NWSL Shield winner its first-ever home loss at Memorial Stadium. The Reign were unbeaten at Memorial Stadium over the previous two seasons{{cite web|url=https://goalwashington.wordpress.com/2016/04/17/reign-falls-for-first-time-at-memorial-stadium/|title=Reign falls for first time at Memorial Stadium|date=April 18, 2016|access-date=May 13, 2017}} Sky Blue FC started six players who had never logged a single NWSL minute before that night.{{cite web|url=http://www.empireofsoccer.com/conheeneys-late-goal-give-sky-blue-holly-2-1-opening-night-victory-47085//|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420135347/http://www.empireofsoccer.com/conheeneys-late-goal-give-sky-blue-holly-2-1-opening-night-victory-47085/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=April 20, 2016|title=Conheeney's late goal give Sky Blue, Holly 2–1 opening night victory|website=Empire of Soccer|date=June 2003 |access-date=May 13, 2017}} By the end of the season they had racked up with 26 points in 7th place. Playing twenty games this season, they ended up with seven wins, eight losses, and five draws. They scored 24 goals and had 30 against them.{{cite web|title=Current Standings|url=http://nwslsoccer.com/standings-1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416035601/http://www.nwslsoccer.com/standings-1|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 16, 2016|website=nwslsoccer.com|publisher=National Women's Soccer League|access-date=October 1, 2016}} Sky Blue midfielder Raquel Rodríguez was named 2016 NWSL Rookie of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2016/10/3/13146846/sky-blue-raquel-rodriguez-nwsl-rookie-of-the-year-sky-blue-fc-emily-sonnett-rachel-daly-costa-rica|title=Sky Blue FC's Raquel Rodriguez named NWSL Rookie of the Year|access-date=March 28, 2019|date=October 6, 2016}}

After beginning with a 1–1 draw against Seattle Reign, the 2017 season got off to an uneven start. Sky Blue recorded alternating wins and losses in their next four games. Over the opening 18 matches of the season, Sky Blue recorded only two draws, compared to 7 wins and 9 defeats. Despite these results, Sky Blue were in 3rd place as late as July 15. Ultimately, in 2017, Sky Blue had its most successful season since 2014. They finished in sixth place, but were in playoff contention until mid September.{{Cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2017/9/16/16319588/sky-blue-fc-eliminated-from-nwsl-playoffs-with-2-1-loss-to-washington-spirit-kelley-ohara-sam-kerr|title=Sky Blue FC Eliminated from NWSL Playoffs with 2-1 Loss to Washington|access-date=March 18, 2019|date=September 16, 2017}} Despite these successes, head coach Christy Holly unexpectedly stepped down as coach on August 16, 2017.{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2017/08/16/christy-holly-steps-down-as-sky-blue-fc-head-coach/|title=Christy Holly Steps Down as Sky Blue FC Head Coach|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=August 16, 2017|archive-date=March 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331192827/https://skybluefc.com/2017/08/16/christy-holly-steps-down-as-sky-blue-fc-head-coach/|url-status=dead}}

{{main|2017 Sky Blue FC season||2018 Sky Blue FC season||2019 Sky Blue FC season}}

Holly's departure was followed by veteran defender Christie Pearce announcing she would miss the remainder of the season due to injury on August 18.{{cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2017/8/18/16172266/christie-pearce-out-for-the-remainder-of-the-2017-season-sky-blue-fc|title=Christie Pearce Out For The Remainder Of The 2017 Season|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=August 18, 2017}} Following Holly's abrupt departure, assistant manager Dave Hodgson was appointed interim head coach.{{cite web|url=https://temple-news.com/experienced-coach-joins-womens-soccer-staff/|title=Experienced coach joins women's soccer staff|last=McGinley|first=Alex|website=The Temple News|date=September 4, 2018|access-date=July 27, 2020}}

On August 19, 2017, Sky Blue overcame a 3–0 deficit, to defeat the Seattle Reign 5–4. In that game Sam Kerr became the first player in NWSL history to score 4 goals in one game.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/sam-kerr-scores-four-goals-in-sky-blue-fc-comeback-win-20170820-gy06u1.html|title=Sam Kerr scores four goals in Sky Blue FC comeback win|access-date=March 18, 2019|date=August 20, 2017}} Kerr enjoyed a breakout season in 2017, she broke the single season goal scoring record by scoring 17 goals and won the golden boot. Kerr was also awarded the 2017 NWSL MVP award.{{cite web|url=https://footballtoday.news/features/sam-kerr-wins-nwsl-most-valuable-player|title=Sam Kerr wins NWSL Most Valuable Player|access-date=March 18, 2019|date=October 21, 2017|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403174514/https://footballtoday.news/features/sam-kerr-wins-nwsl-most-valuable-player|url-status=dead}}

Denise Reddy was appointed as the new head coach on November 15, 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/soccer/2017/11/15/sky-blue-fc-name-denise-reddy-new-head-coach/867843001/|title=Sky Blue FC name Denise Reddy as new head coach|date=November 15, 2017|access-date=November 15, 2017|publisher=NorthJersey.com/The Record}} Sky Blue began the off-season by trading several of their key players. They dealt Taylor Lytle and USWNT defender Kelley O'Hara to the Utah Royals on December 29, 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2017/12/29/16830082/kelley-o-hara-trade-utah-royals-sky-blue-fc-nwsl-shea-groom-christina-gibbons|title=UWSNT star Kelley O'Hara traded to Utah Royals|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=December 29, 2017}} Then at the 2018 NWSL College Draft they traded Nikki Stanton and 2017 NWSL MVP Sam Kerr to the Chicago Red Stars.{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/01/18/nwsl-trade-carli-lloyd-sam-kerr-christen-press|title=Carli Lloyd, Sam Kerr, Christen Press Swap Clubs in NWSL Blockbuster Trade|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=January 18, 2018}} Sky Blue received forward Katie Johnson and defender Rebekah Stott from the Seattle Reign in exchange for the rights to forward Caitlin Foord.{{cite web|url=http://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/pair-of-trades-sends-allie-long-to-seattle-the-rights-to-caitlin-foord-to-portland-johnson-and-stott-to-new-jersey|title=Pair of trades sends Long to Seattle, the rights to Foord to Portland, Johnson and Stott to NJ|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=January 11, 2018}} They also added two-time FIFA Player of the year Carli Lloyd in the trade for Sam Kerr.

The results of the field were not good for Sky Blue as they finished in last place with a record of 1–17–6. They broke the NWSL record for the longest winless streak (23 games) as they didn't earn a victory until the final game of the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/78694/nwsl-focus-sam-kerr-sets-record-in-homecoming.html|title=NWSL Focus: Sam Kerr sets record in homecoming|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=July 8, 2018}}

During this time, the club was plagued with reports of poor off-field conditions. The training facilities lacked running water, working toilets, and showers, leading players to take post-game ice baths in garbage cans.{{cite news|url=https://deadspin.com/one-month-after-promised-solutions-womens-pro-soccer-t-1828524760|title=One Month After Promised Solutions, Women's Pro Soccer Team Still Doesn't Have Running Water|last=Redford|first=Patrick|work=Deadspin|date=August 22, 2018|access-date=July 28, 2020}} The team reneged on its promise to provide housing for some players, and those who were accommodated found the conditions unacceptable. Players had to cover broken windows with cardboard, and some were placed with host families who expected them to babysit.{{cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2018/7/17/17583026/sky-blue-fc-created-untenable-player-conditions-years-nwsl|title=Sky Blue FC created untenable player conditions for years|last1=Yang|first1=Stephanie|work=Once A Metro|access-date=September 11, 2018|date=July 17, 2018}} Players also accused the club of also trying to cut travel costs at their expense. Players were forced into early check-outs at hotels, sometimes hours before they had to leave for a game. Between the poor training conditions and ownership they saw as distant, players started referring to Sky Blue as "a semi-pro team".

These off-field issues, coupled with Sky Blue's poor results, led to the club being described as "falling apart, on the field and off".{{cite news|url=https://deadspin.com/the-nwsls-sky-blue-fc-is-falling-apart-on-the-field-an-1828043155|title=The NWSL's Sky Blue FC Is Falling Apart, On The Field And Off|last1=Allen|first1=R.J.|last2=Ayala|first2=Erica L.|work=Deadsprin|date=August 8, 2018|access-date=July 28, 2020}}

The 2018 season did include promising rookie seasons from Imani Dorsey and Savannah McCaskill. Dorsey scored 4 goals in 13 games and McCaskill had 3 goals and 3 assists.{{cite web|url=http://www.nwslsoccer.com/teams/sky-blue?statsType=player&statsSeason=2018&scheduleSeason=2019&rosterSeason=2019&psort=g#stats|title=Sky Blue FC|access-date=March 19, 2019}} Both players were voted as finalists for the 2018 NWSL Rookie of the year. Dorsey won the award, becoming the second Sky Blue player to win the award after Raquel Rodríguez won it in 2016.{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2018/09/16/imani-dorsey-savannah-mccaskill-voted-nwsl-rookie-of-the-year-finalists/|title=Imani Dorsey, Savannah McCaskill Voted NWSL Rookie of the Year Finalists|access-date=March 19, 2019|date=September 17, 2018|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403162230/https://skybluefc.com/2018/09/16/imani-dorsey-savannah-mccaskill-voted-nwsl-rookie-of-the-year-finalists/|url-status=dead}}

Following the disappointments of the preceding two seasons, the 2019 season got off to a poor start. Before the season even began, Hailie Mace and Julia Ashley declined to sign for the club despite being drafted, citing the team's mismanagement.{{cite web|url=https://thinkprogress.org/womens-soccer-no-toilets-draft-picks-329b69f9d522/|title=Women's pro soccer team can't guarantee working toilets, so its top draft picks are bailing|last=Gibbs|first=Lindsay|work=ThinkProgress|date=January 23, 2019|access-date=July 28, 2020}} Sky Blue then failed to win any of their opening nine matches, drawing two and losing seven. Head coach Denise Reddy was subsequently relieved of her duties. At the time of her dismissal, Reddy had won only one of thirty-three matches in charge of the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/denise-reddy-out-as-sky-blue-fc-head-coach|title=Denise Reddy out as Sky Blue FC head coach|last=Purdy|first=Jacqueline|website=nwslsoccer.com|date=June 29, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}} Goalkeeping coach Hugo Macedo was named interim head coach following Reddy's dismissal. In his first game in charge, Macedo guided Sky Blue to a 2–1 win over the Chicago Red Stars, their first victory in an away game since September 2017.{{cite news|url=https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/sky-blue-fc-denise-reddy-fired-first-win-chicago-red-stars-sam-kerr-20190707.html|title=Sky Blue FC gets first win of season, and first win since coach was fired|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|last=Tannenwald|first=Jonathan|date=July 6, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}} Under Macedo, Sky Blue amassed a 4–2–4 record. However, on September 4, Macedo returned to his previous role of goalkeeping coach and was replaced as interim head coach by Freya Coombe.{{cite web|url=https://www.soccerwire.com/news/sky-blue-fc-tabs-freya-coombe-as-interim-head-coach/|title=Sky Blue FC tabs Freya Coombe as interim head coach|website=soccerwire.com|date=September 4, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}} Under Coombe, Sky Blue went on to win only one of their final five games of the season. Having had three head coaches in a single season for the second time, Sky Blue finished the 2019 season with a record of 5 wins, 5 draws, and 14 defeats. This saw them finish 8th in the table, ahead of only the Orlando Pride, and failing to qualify for the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

Off the field, in February co-owner and First Lady of New Jersey Tammy Murphy announced she would be taking an "active role" in the club.{{cite news|url=https://www.dailyrecord.com/story/sports/2019/02/12/tammy-murphy-sky-blue-soccer/2846351002/|title=NJ Gov. Phil Murphy's wife, Tammy, takes 'active role' with troubled Sky Blue soccer team|last=Havsy|first=Jane|work=Morristown Daily Record|date=February 12, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}} In the same statement, Murphy announced that the club had taken steps to improve player housing, as well as relocating its administrative offices, and expanding the size of the club's staff. Murphy also committed to improving Sky Blue's training facilities. Longtime president and General Manager Tony Novo resigned in April, with reports alleging that Novo was forced out of the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2019/4/9/18303855/tony-novo-resigns-as-sky-blue-fc-president-general-manager-nwsl-alyse-lahue|title=Tony Novo resigns as Sky Blue FC President, General Manager|last=Lee|first=Allison|website=OnceAMetro.com|date=April 9, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}} Alyse LaHue, formerly General Manager of the Chicago Red Stars, was named interim GM following Novo's resignation. LaHue was later made permanent General Manager on September 3.{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2019/09/03/sky-blue-fc-names-alyse-lahue-general-manager/|title=Sky Blue FC Names Alyse LaHue General Manager|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=September 3, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=September 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915012647/https://skybluefc.com/2019/09/03/sky-blue-fc-names-alyse-lahue-general-manager/|url-status=dead}}

In November 2019, Sky Blue announced that they had reached an agreement with Major League Soccer club the New York Red Bulls to play their home matches for the following season at Red Bull Arena.{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2019/11/18/new-york-red-bulls-and-sky-blue-fc-announce-new-partnership/|title=New York Red Bulls and Sky Blue FC Announce New Partnership|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=November 18, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=December 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214105140/https://skybluefc.com/2019/11/18/new-york-red-bulls-and-sky-blue-fc-announce-new-partnership/|url-status=dead}} In December, Freya Coombe's appointment as head coach was made permanent.{{cite web|url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2019/12/23/new-sky-blue-fc-head-coach-freya-coombe-interview-nwsl/|title='It's hard not to be energized': Meet new Sky Blue head coach Freya Coombe|last=Lauletta|first=Dan|work=The Equalizer|date=December 23, 2019|access-date=July 27, 2020}}

{{main|2020 Sky Blue FC season}}

Following their previous announcement of a groundshare arrangement, in February 2020 Sky Blue announced that they had agreed a deal to share training facilities with the New York Red Bulls.{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/02/18/sky-blue-fc-announces-move-to-new-york-red-bulls-training-facility/|title=Sky Blue FC Announces Move to New York Red Bulls Training Facility|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=February 18, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728063013/https://skybluefc.com/2020/02/18/sky-blue-fc-announces-move-to-new-york-red-bulls-training-facility/|url-status=dead}} That same month, Ed Nalbandian joined the club as minority owner and was appointed Vice Chair.{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/02/19/sky-blue-fc-ownership-group-grows-with-addition-of-ed-nalbandian/|title=Sky Blue FC Ownership Group Grows with Addition of Ed Nalbandian|date=February 19, 2020|access-date=July 28, 2020|publisher=Sky Blue FC|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728054220/https://skybluefc.com/2020/02/19/sky-blue-fc-ownership-group-grows-with-addition-of-ed-nalbandian/|url-status=dead}} Heading into the 2020 season, Sky Blue's off field developments over the preceding year were perceived as having turned around the club's culture.{{cite web|url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/soccer/2020/01/15/nj-sky-blue-fc-hopes-successful-2020-soccer-season/4457608002/|title=Cinderella story? NJ's Sky Blue FC has high hopes for a successful 2020 soccer season|last=Anzidei|first=Melanie|website=NorthJersey.com|date=January 15, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}} The club also took steps to overhaul their roster, bringing in thirteen new players,{{cite web|url=https://www.allforxi.com/2020/6/23/21299112/sky-blue-fc-2020-nwsl-challenge-cup-preview|title=Sky Blue FC has turned around its culture. Now can it get good at soccer?|last=McCauley|first=Kim|website=AllforXI.com|date=June 23, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}} such as Mallory Pugh, McCall Zerboni, and Margaret Purce, for what was described as a "new-look Sky Blue."{{cite web|url=https://www.onceametro.com/2020/5/12/21256098/new-horizons-for-sky-blue-in-2020|title=New horizons for Sky Blue in 2020|last=Post|first=J.J.|website=OnceAMetro.com|date=May 12, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}} These changes led to a belief that the club "was set to make leaps and bounds" and would "compete for playoff spots in due time."{{cite web|url=https://mlsmultiplex.com/2020/06/25/nwsl-2020-challenge-cup-preview/3/|title=NWSL: The 2020 Challenge Cup Preview|last=Hubbard|first=Drew|website=Fansided|date=June 25, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}} The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic halted the new season's momentum before it could even begin, however. On March 12, the team's originally scheduled preseason was cancelled.{{cite press release|date=March 12, 2020|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/statement-from-nwsl-commissioner-lisa-baird-regarding-the-2020-season|title=Statement from NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird regarding the 2020 season|publisher=NWSL Media Staff|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=April 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411041915/https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/statement-from-nwsl-commissioner-lisa-baird-regarding-the-2020-season|url-status=dead}} The start date of the 2020 NWSL season was also pushed back before being cancelled altogether and replaced by the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup.{{cite press release|url=https://prod-nwsl-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/wp/uploads/2020/06/challengecup_rosterrules.pdf|page=3|title=2020 Champions Cup Presented by P&G and Secret Roster Rules|publisher=NWSL|date=June 13, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}

Veteran defender Caprice Dydasco, new arrival Pugh, and star midfielder Carli Lloyd were ruled out of the Challenge Cup through injury.{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/06/23/sky-blue-fc-announces-2020-nwsl-challenge-cup-roster/|title=Sky Blue FC Announces 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Roster|publisher=Sky Blue FC|website=skybluefc.com|date=June 23, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626013630/https://skybluefc.com/2020/06/23/sky-blue-fc-announces-2020-nwsl-challenge-cup-roster/|url-status=dead}} Midfielder Madison Tiernan also picked up an injury shortly before the start of the tournament.{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/06/26/madison-tiernan-placed-on-45-day-disabled-list/|title=Sky Blue FC Midfielder Madison Tiernan placed on 45-day Disabled List|date=June 26, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|publisher=Sky Blue FC|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702152339/https://skybluefc.com/2020/06/26/madison-tiernan-placed-on-45-day-disabled-list/|url-status=dead}} These absences, coupled with the extensive changes that had been made to the club in a short space of time, led to Sky Blue entering the Challenge Cup as "the true underdog".{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nwsl/news/nwsl-challenge-cup-power-rankings-why-every-team-in-utah-is-chasing-north-carolina-courage/|title=NWSL Challenge Cup Power Rankings: Why every team in Utah is chasing North Carolina Courage|date=June 27, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}} The truncated season was seen as pushing back the club's growth, while at the same time the tournament was perceived as "more of a development opportunity." Heading into the tournament, the team were perceived as least likely to reach the final.{{cite web|url=https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/soccer-predictions/nwsl-challenge-cup/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716024301/https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/soccer-predictions/nwsl-challenge-cup/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 16, 2020|title=NWSL Challenge Cup 2020|website=FiveThirtyEight|date=June 24, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}}

Following a 0–0 draw with the OL Reign in their opening game of the tournament and a 1–0 defeat to Utah Royals, Sky Blue recorded a 2–0 win over the Houston Dash, which saw them rise to 2nd in the table.{{cite web|url=https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/2020/07/09/nice-jump-sky-blue-fc-leaps-into-2nd-after-1st-win-1st-goals-in-challenge-cup/|title=NICE JUMP: Sky Blue FC leaps into 2nd after 1st win, 1st goals in Challenge Cup|date=July 9, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|last=Lewis|first=Michael|website=Front Row Soccer}} A subsequent 2–0 defeat to the North Carolina Courage saw them slump to 7th, and Sky Blue were pitted against 2nd place Washington Spirit in the quarter-final. The Spirit were perceived as the favorite for the match,{{cite web|url=https://www.blackandredunited.com/washington-spirit-womens-soccer/2020/7/18/21329305/washington-spirit-sky-blue-fc-2020-live-stream-time-tv-how-to-watch-nwsl-challenge-cup-online|title=Washington Spirit vs. Sky Blue FC 2020: Time, TV schedule and how to watch NWSL Challenge Cup online|website=Black And Red United|last=Anderson|first=Jason|date=July 18, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}} though Sky Blue ultimately advanced after winning 4–3 on penalties.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nwsl/news/sky-blue-fc-beats-washington-spirit-on-penalties-knocks-no-2-seed-out-of-nwsl-challenge-cup/live/|title=Sky Blue FC beats Washington Spirit on penalties, knocks No. 2 seed out of NWSL Challenge Cup|website=CBS Sports|last=Herrera|first=Sandra|date=July 18, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020}} In the semi-final, Sky Blue were pitted against the Chicago Red Stars, who had finished as runners-up in the 2019 NWSL Championship. After conceding three goals in the opening 60 minutes, Sky Blue rallied courtesy of a late goal from Evelyne Viens and an effort by Purce which forced an own goal by Julie Ertz. However, Sky Blue were unable to overcome the deficit and the club were eliminated in a 3–2 defeat.{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/07/23/sky-blue-falls-to-chicago-3-2-in-tight-semifinal-matchup/|title=Sky Blue Falls to Chicago 3-2 in Tight Semifinal Matchup|publisher=Sky Blue FC|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=July 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723151559/https://skybluefc.com/2020/07/23/sky-blue-falls-to-chicago-3-2-in-tight-semifinal-matchup/|url-status=dead}} Despite these results, goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament by the media, being awarded the Golden Glove.{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/07/27/kailen-sheridan-earns-2020-nwsl-challenge-cup-golden-glove-award/|title=Kailen Sheridan Earns 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Golden Glove Award|last=Shimkin|first=Nick|website=SkyBlueFC.com|date=July 27, 2020|access-date=July 27, 2020|archive-date=July 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727180356/https://skybluefc.com/2020/07/27/kailen-sheridan-earns-2020-nwsl-challenge-cup-golden-glove-award/|url-status=dead}} The Philadelphia Inquirer also wrote that Sky Blue's performance in the tournament "shows big potential for the future," and that "if general manager Alyse LaHue can keep her team's spine together, Sky Blue will enter 2021 with real potential to end its playoff drought."{{cite news|url=https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/nwsl-challenge-cup-sky-blue-fc-20200723.html|title=Sky Blue FC's NWSL Challenge Cup run shows big potential for the future — whenever that may be|last=Tannenwald|first=Jonathan|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=October 18, 2020}}

Following the conclusion of the Challenge Cup, the NWSL announced the continuation of the season with the NWSL Fall Series. Per the rules of the series, Sky Blue were drawn into a three-team regional pod with the Washington Spirit and Chicago Red Stars. Sky Blue opened the Fall Series with a 2–1 victory over the Washington Spirit at Segra Field on September 5,{{cite web|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/washington-spirit-vs-sky-blue-2020-09-05|title=Sky Blue FC earns the first Fall Series victory|last=Levine|first=Matthew|date=September 5, 2020|access-date=October 11, 2020|website=nwslsoccer.com}} though this was followed by a heavy 4–1 defeat to the Chicago Red Stars.{{cite web|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/chicago-red-stars-vs-sky-blue-2020-09-20|title=Chicago Red Stars power past Sky Blue in 4-1 victory|last=Levine|first=Matthew|website=nwslsoccer.com|date=September 20, 2020|access-date=October 11, 2020}} Sky Blue then suffered a 1–0 defeat to the Washington Spirit in their first home game of the season,{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/10/03/15785/|title=Sky Blue Falls to the Washington Spirit 1-0 in Third Fall Series Match|last=Duffy|first=Shannon|website=Skybluefc.com|date=October 3, 2020|access-date=October 10, 2020|archive-date=October 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011094843/https://skybluefc.com/2020/10/03/15785/|url-status=dead}} before closing out the Fall Series with a 3–1 victory at home over Chicago.{{cite web|url=https://skybluefc.com/2020/10/10/sky-blue-closes-fall-series-with-3-1-win-against-chicago/|title=Sky Blue Closes Fall Series With 3-1 Win Against Chicago|date=October 10, 2020|access-date=October 11, 2020|publisher=Sky Blue FC|archive-date=October 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012171459/https://skybluefc.com/2020/10/10/sky-blue-closes-fall-series-with-3-1-win-against-chicago/|url-status=dead}} These results ultimately saw Sky Blue finish the Fall Series in fourth place, just one point behind the third-placed Washington Spirit.

{{main|2021 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2022 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2023 NJ/NY Gotham FC season||2024 NJ/NY Gotham FC season|2025 Gotham FC season}}

In April 2021, Sky Blue officially changed its name to Gotham FC,{{Cite magazine|last=Thomas|first=Louisa|date=2021-04-30|title=The Transformation of a Soccer Club, and the Ways We Value Women's Sports|url=https://www.newyorker.com/sports/sporting-scene/the-transformation-of-a-soccer-club-and-the-ways-we-value-womens-sports|access-date=2021-08-23|magazine=The New Yorker|language=en-US}} "Gotham" being a nickname for New York City.{{cite web |url=https://www.nypl.org/blog/2011/01/25/so-why-do-we-call-it-gotham-anyway |title= So, why do we call it Gotham anyway? |first=Carmen |last= Nigro |date= January 25, 2011 |access-date=2021-10-21 |work= New York Public Library}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/gotham-metropolis-nyc-best-nicknames-article-1.2556511|title=From Gotham to Metropolis: A look at NYC's best nicknames|author=Keri Blakinger |author-link=Keri Blakinger|newspaper=New York Daily News|date=March 8, 2016|access-date=2021-10-21}} Carli Lloyd announced her retirement from professional soccer on August 16, 2021, indicating the current NJ/NY Gotham season would be her last season.{{Cite press release|date=2021-08-16|title=Soccer Legend Carli Lloyd Announces Retirement|url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1178856-soccer-legend-carli-lloyd-announces-retirement|access-date=2021-08-23|publisher=NJ/NY Gotham FC}} In September 2021, former Sky Blue player Nadia Nadim accused management of forging her signature on a contract extension so they could trade her to the Portland Thorns in early 2016.{{cite web |last1=McMullen |first1=Justin |title=Players Excoriate NWSL in Response To More Abuse Allegations |url=https://venussports.co/2021/09/30/players-excoriate-nwsl-in-response-to-more-abuse-allegations/ |publisher=Venus Sports |date=September 30, 2021 |access-date=October 21, 2021 |archive-date=October 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021165355/https://venussports.co/2021/09/30/players-excoriate-nwsl-in-response-to-more-abuse-allegations/ |url-status=usurped }}

Lloyd joined the ownership group on April 27, 2022.{{cite press release|url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1222844 |title=Carli Lloyd Rejoins NJ/NY Gotham FC in New Role as Minority Owner |publisher=NJ/NY Gotham FC |date=April 27, 2022 |access-date=April 30, 2022}} On May 4, 2022, NBA player Kevin Durant and investor Rich Kleiman announced their minority investment into Gotham FC via their investment company Thirty Five Ventures.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/05/04/kevin-durant-gotham-fc-ownership-stake-rich-kleiman |title=Kevin Durant Becomes Minority Investor in NWSL's Gotham FC |date=May 4, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |first=Dan |last=Lyons}} On July 29, 2022, WNBA player Sue Bird joined Gotham FC's ownership group as a minority owner, consultant, and advisor.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/07/29/nj-ny-gotham-fc-sue-bird-minority-investor |title=Sue Bird Becomes Minority Investor in NWSL's Gotham FC |date=July 29, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |first=Jelani |last=Scott}} On August 10, 2022, Gotham FC announced the addition of former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and Giants chief commercial officer Pete Guelli to its ownership group as minority owners.{{cite news |url=https://njbiz.com/giants-manning-guelli-join-gotham-fc-ownership-slideshow/ |title=Giants' Manning, Guelli join Gotham FC ownership (slideshow) |date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |work=NJBIZ |first=Gabrielle |last=Saulsbery}}{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/nwsl/2022/08/10/eli-manning-gotham-fc-nwsl/10294004002/ |title=New York Giants legend Eli Manning joins ownership group of NWSL team Gotham FC |date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |work=USA Today |first=Melanie |last=Anzidei}} The investments raised the club's valuation to an estimated $40 million.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/nj-ny-gotham-fc/story/4708359/sue-birdeli-manning-join-nj-ny-gotham-fc-ownership-group-reports |title=Sue Bird joins NJ/NY Gotham FC ownership group |date=July 29, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Reuters}}

On August 11, 2022, Gotham FC fired head coach Scott Parkinson following a {{win-loss record|w=4|d=0|l=8}} start to the 2022 season and announced an immediate search for a new coach to be hired for the 2023 season.{{cite news |url=https://theathletic.com/3498443/2022/08/11/scott-parkinson-fired-gotham-fc/ |title=Gotham FC fires Scott Parkinson after 4-0-8 start to season |date=August 11, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |publisher=The Athletic}}

After finishing the 2022 season in last place, Gotham FC appointed Juan Carlos Amóros as the new head coach.{{cite news |url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1245806|title=NJ/NY Gotham FC Names Juan Carlos Amorós Head Coach |date=November 1, 2022 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=NJ/NY Gotham FC}} In the NWSL Draft, Gotham FC made several trades to acquire Paige Monaghan and Lynn Williams before drafting Jenna Nighswonger with the 4th pick in the NWSL Draft.{{cite news |url=https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/lists/nwsl-draft-2023-picks-players-trades/ |title=Every pick, trade, and move from 2023 NWSL draft |date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=USA Today}} Prior to the start of the season, veteran defender Ali Krieger announced that she would be retiring at the end of the 2023 NWSL season.{{cite news |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/03/former-uswnt-defender-ali-krieger-announces-retirement-from-pro-soccer-at-end-of-2023-nwsl-season |title=FORMER USWNT DEFENDER ALI KRIEGER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM PROFESSIONAL SOCCER AT END OF 2023 NWSL SEASON |date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=US Soccer}} Gotham FC finished the regular season in 6th place, securing the final playoff spot on the last day of the season. In the playoffs, Gotham FC defeated North Carolina Courage 0-3 and Portland Thorns FC 0–1 to advance to their first ever NWSL Championship Game. On November 11, 2023, Gotham FC won their first NWSL Championship, the team's first title since the 2009 WPS Championship, by a score of 1–2 over OL Reign with first half goals by Lynn Williams and Esther Gonzalez.{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/gotham-fc-win-nwsl-championship-over-ol-reign-in-final-games-for-rapinoe-victorious-krieger |title=Gotham FC win NWSL Championship over OL Reign in final games for Rapinoe, victorious Krieger |date=November 12, 2023 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |publisher=NBC Sports}}

In the 2024 season, Gotham finished 3rd in the league, defeating Portland Thorns FC in the quarterfinals 2–1. In the semifinals, Gotham faced the Washington Spirit, in this match goals from Esther and Hal Hershfelt sent the match to penalties, where Gotham lost, 3–0.{{Cite web |last=More |first=Maggie |last2=McDonough |first2=Heather |last3=Fa • • |first3=Gio Del |date=2024-11-16 |title=Washington Spirit beat Gotham FC, move on to NWSL Championship |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/washington-spirit-beat-gotham-fc-move-on-to-nwsl-championship/3771074/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=NBC4 Washington |language=en-US}}

On May 24th 2025, Gotham became Champions of the inaugural edition of the CONCACAF W Champions Cup with a 1-0 result over Tigres UANL (women).

The club's visual identity has changed multiple times throughout its history. During their tenure in Women's Professional Soccer, Sky Blue FC's home colors were orange and their away colors were sky blue. Beginning with the 2013 season and the launch of the National Women's Soccer League, the club's home colors changed to midnight blue, while their away colors changed to a white shirt with midnight blue shorts. In 2015, the club's colors reverted to sky blue and orange, but with sky blue for their home jersey and orange for their away jersey. The following season, the club's home colors returned to midnight blue, while their away colors returned to sky blue. This pattern again emerged in following seasons, as the club's home jersey was sky blue in 2017 and 2018, but returned to midnight blue in 2019. The 2020 season marked yet another change, as the club's home colors became primarily black with sky blue accents. While their home and away strips as Sky Blue FC lacked a consistent visual identity, throughout this era the club's crest remained a blue, white, and orange shield emblazoned with the club's name. The addition of a blue star above the shield was to represent the club's victory in the 2009 Women's Professional Soccer championship.{{citetweet|author=Claire Watkins|user=ScoutRipley|number=1344382022790295552|date=December 30, 2020|title=Good reminder that Sky Blue turning their WPS star into a part of their NWSL crest was the visual heist of the century}}

Following the club's rebrand from Sky Blue FC to NJ/NY Gotham FC, a new crest and color scheme was announced. The club's new crest, a shield adorned by the crown of the Statue of Liberty, was designed by Matthew Wolff, who had previously designed for several MLS clubs as well as other professional clubs around the world. According to a club statement, the crown represents the club's ambitions to become an international club.{{cite web|url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news_article/show/1156361|title=Sky Blue FC Unveils NJ/NY Gotham FC as New Identity|publisher=Gotham FC|date=April 6, 2021|access-date=April 6, 2021}} The lettering on the crest contains a hybrid letter Y and letter J, reflecting the club's name, location, and fanbase. The new kit is similarly representative. The blue sash running diagonally across the kit harkens back to the team's roots as Sky Blue FC. The sash also symbolizes the Hudson River, a visual representation of the "/" in NJ/NY, as it flows between New Jersey and New York. Following the rebrand, the official colors of Gotham FC are "Sky Blue", "Gotham Black", and "Cloud White", representing the club's original name, its current name, and the name of the supporters group.

{{See also|NWSL stadiums}}

• Yurcak Field (2009–2019)
• TD Bank Ballpark (2 games, 2009)
• MSU Soccer Park at Pittser Field (2 games in 2020)
• Sports Illustrated Stadium (2 games in 2019, 2020–present)

Cloud 9 is the official supporters group of Gotham FC.{{cite web|url=http://www.skybluefc.com/cloud-9-official-sky-blue-fc-supporters-club/|title=Cloud 9 – Official Sky Blue FC Supporters Group|access-date=May 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521085100/http://www.skybluefc.com/cloud-9-official-sky-blue-fc-supporters-club/|archive-date=May 21, 2017|url-status=dead}} They stand in the supporters' section for home games (Section 101 of Red Bull Arena, behind the south-side goal), and travel to road games, singing songs and chants throughout the game.{{Cite web|title=Cloud 9 Supporters Club – About|url=https://cloud9sc.com/about.html|access-date=2021-04-13|website=cloud9sc.com}} During the team's tenure at Yurcak Field, Cloud 9 stood and supported from Section 9 during home games.{{Cite web|title=Sky Blue FC – FAQ|url=https://skybluefc.com/faq/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811093939/https://skybluefc.com/faq/|archive-date=August 11, 2020|access-date=April 13, 2021}}

{{updated|April 19, 2025|.{{cite web |url=https://www.gothamfc.com/news/gotham-fc-announces-leadership-group-roster-ahead-of-2025-season |title=Gotham FC Announces Leadership Group, Roster Ahead of 2025 Season |date=March 11, 2025 |website=Gotham FC}}}}

{{Updated|March 29, 2025}}{{cite web |url= https://www.gothamfc.com/news/gotham-fc-announces-2025-technical-staff |title=Gotham FC Announces 2025 Technical Staff|publisher=NJ/NY Gotham FC|access-date=March 29, 2025 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20250329012417/https://www.gothamfc.com/news/gotham-fc-announces-2025-technical-staff |archive-date=March 29, 2025}}{{cite web |url= https://www.gothamfc.com/staff |title=Staff |publisher=NJ/NY Gotham FC |access-date=March 29, 2025 }}

{{updated|May 27, 2025}}

Only competitive matches{{efn|Includes regular season, playoffs, domestic, continental, and international cups}} are counted. Wins, losses, and draws are results at the final whistle; the results of penalty shootouts are not counted.

{{notelist}}

Invitational cup(s): (1)

• The Women's Cup
• Champions (1): 2024

Statistics from competitive matches (regular season, playoffs, and domestic, continental, and international cups) only.{{cite web|url=https://fbref.com/en/squads/8e306dc6/history/Sky-Blue-FC-Stats-and-History|title=Sky Blue FC Stats and History|website=FBRef|access-date=July 26, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/womenssoccer/t-WSBF|title=Sky Blue FC Franchise History (2009-2019)|website=statscrew.com|access-date=July 26, 2020}} Current players in bold.

{{see also|National Women's Soccer League attendance}}

{{updated|May 27, 2025}}

{{notelist}}

{{updated|May 27, 2025.}}

{{notelist}}

{{updated|May 27, 2025.}}

Matches played appear in brackets.

{{updated|April 30, 2025.}}

{{see also|National Women's Soccer League#Broadcasting}}

Starting in April 2017, Sky Blue FC games were streamed exclusively by Go90 for American audiences and via the NWSL website for international viewers.{{cite web|title=NWSL, go90 announce exclusive streaming partnership|url=https://www.blackandredunited.com/washington-spirit-womens-soccer/2017/4/13/15282800/nwsl-streaming-go90-2017|website=Black and Red United (SBNation)|date=April 13, 2017 |publisher=Vox Media|access-date=April 14, 2017}} For the 2017 season, the team was featured in the nationally televised Lifetime NWSL Game of the Week broadcasts on May 13, May 20, July 1, and August 12, 2017.{{cite web|title=NWSL Game of the Week on Lifetime schedule|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/nwsl-game-of-the-week-on-lifetime-schedule|publisher=National Women's Soccer League|access-date=April 26, 2017|date=April 16, 2017}}

Previous seasons' matches were streamed live on YouTube, available around the world. The announcers were Corey Cohen on play-by-play and Dan Lauletta on color commentary with Evan Davis hosting the halftime show and NJ Discover handling production.{{cite web|url=http://www.empireofsoccer.com/sky-blue-announces-broadcast-team-for-2016-nwsl-season-44571/|title=Sky Blue Announces Broadcast Team for 2016 NWSL season|website=Empire of Soccer|access-date=January 3, 2017|archive-date=October 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026003202/http://www.empireofsoccer.com/sky-blue-announces-broadcast-team-for-2016-nwsl-season-44571/|url-status=usurped}}

The NWSL announced that it has entered into a three-year media agreement with CBS Sports and the video game-oriented streaming service Twitch on March 11, 2020.{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=Stephanie |date=2020-03-11 |title=NWSL announces broadcast and streaming deal with CBS and Twitch |url=https://www.allforxi.com/2020/3/11/21174922/nwsl-announces-broadcast-streaming-deal-cbs-twitch |access-date=2023-06-07 |website=All For XI |language=en}}

{{Portal|Women's association football|Sports|Association football|New Jersey|New York (state)|New York City

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• List of top-division football clubs in CONCACAF countries
• List of professional sports teams in the United States and Canada

{{clear}}

{{reflist|2}}

{{Commons category|Gotham FC}}

• {{Official website|https://www.gothamfc.com/}}
• [http://cloud9sc.com/ Cloud 9] – Sky Blue FC Supporters Group

{{Sky Blue FC}}

{{National Women's Soccer League}}

{{Womens Professional Soccer}}

{{NewJerseysports}}

{{NewYorksports}}

{{US Women's soccer}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gotham FC}}

Category:Association football clubs established in 2009

Category:Soccer clubs in the New York metropolitan area

Category:Women's soccer clubs in New Jersey

Category:Soccer clubs in New Jersey

Category:Sports in Harrison, New Jersey

Category:Women's Professional Soccer teams

Category:2009 establishments in New Jersey

Category:National Women's Soccer League teams