Description
Match Date: November 11, 2023
Competition: NWSL Playoffs FInal
Location: Snapdragon Stadium
Match Story:
With a rebrand in 2020 helping to shed the burden of nearly a decade of decline and neglect, New Jersey/New York had reason for optimism heading into the 2023 season. New coach Juan Carlos Amóros arrived alongside USWNT stalwart Lynn Williams and budding youngster Jenna Nighswonger. Those additions, alongside fellow USWNT stars Midge Purce, Kelly O’Hara, and Ali Krieger, helped the club scrape their way into the playoffs as the sixth and final seed. And that’s where the magic happened. They toppled third-seeded North Carolina and second-seeds Portland on the way to a final against last year’s shield winners from Seattle. There, Williams would give the underdogs the lead with a 24th minute strike — only to see Rose Lavele level 5 minutes later. But NJ/NY were undeterred, and two minutes into first-half injury time they found their winner via Spanish international Esther RodrÃguez.
Design Story:
The match side is inspired by Lady Liberty herself, with the both the opening and game-winning goals marked by faces of the Statue of Liberty. On the reverse is a design inspired by the Bats’ zig-zagging away kits.
