Gotham FC notched its first win of the 2025 NWSL season in convincing fashion, defeating the North Carolina Courage 3-1 at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Spanish international Esther González powered the home side with a clinical first-half brace, netting twice in a six-minute span to give Gotham a 2-0 lead at the break. The goals were her first of the season and provided the attacking spark the team had been searching for through the opening matches.

Rookie defender Lilly Reale extended the lead shortly after halftime, heading home her first professional goal to make it 3-0 and all but seal the result. North Carolina pulled one back late, but it proved only a consolation in a match Gotham controlled from the outset.

The win lifts Gotham FC to 1-1-2 (5 points) on the season, good enough for a share of fifth place in the NWSL standings.

Sunday’s match also marked a milestone moment for veteran defender Mandy Freeman, who made her 100th appearance for Gotham FC across all NWSL competitions — joining Sarah Woldmoe (111) as just the second player in club history to reach the century mark.

Brazilian forward Geyse made her long-awaited debut for Gotham, while forward Ella Stevens and defender Bruninha each tallied their first assists of the 2025 campaign in a complete team performance.

Gotham will look to build on the momentum next week as they aim to climb further up the table.