Fifty years after Pelé arrived and first put on a Cosmos uniform, attracting the eyes of the soccer world to a floating nook of New York City, it’s Gotham FC’s turn to host a match on Randall’s Island.
On Wednesday night, Gotham will open their defense of the CONCACAF W Champions Cup — the hardware the team proudly hoisted after winning the final of the inaugural regional club tournament in May — when they face Mexico’s CF Monterrey Femenil at Icahn Stadium.
Gotham’s regular home field, Sports Illustrated Stadium, was unavailable for the midweek tilt. Instead, they’ll decamp to Randall’s Island, a part of Manhattan nestled in the East River next to the South Bronx and Astoria.
The venue has changed, the crowd size will be different, but the local soccer legacy will be shared.
“Pele Sti