Soccer

Gotham FC sign star goalie Ann-Katrin Berger to long-term contract

As Gotham FC prepares to make another postseason run on the field, the defending champions keep taking care of busine🧸ss off the field.

Star goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger signed a contract extension that 𝐆runs through 2026, the team announced Friday.

The 33-year-old Berger joined Gotham from English giants Chelsea in April, several months behind the team’s high-profile free-agent class headlined by Rose Lavelle and Crystal Dunn, but her addition has been no less impactful — and perhaps more so.

NJ/NY Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger in green uniform, kicking a soccer ball during a match against Portland Thorns FC at Red Bull Arena.
Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger plays a pass during an NWSL match against the Portland Thorns on Aug. 24, 2024. Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Berger has allowed just 12 goa🐷ls in 17 starts, which includes 12 wins and seven clean sheets.

She’s saved Gotham a net 6.7 goals above expected, per advanced metrics, which leads NWSL goalies on a per-minute basis.

“I have really enjoyed my time here, and I am very excited for the future with this club,” Berger said in ⭕a team statement. “This enviꦫronment is truly special, and I am excited to continue to compete and be the best I can be.”

NJ/NY Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger and defender Tierna Davidson defending against Orlando Pride forward Ally Watt in a football match
Ann-Katrin Berger gets in position to make a save during Gotham FC’s match against the Orlando Pride on Sept. 1, 2024. Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Berger al📖so was a standout thiꦍs summer at the Paris Olympics, backstopping Germany to a bronze medal.

“We are very excited to have Ann with us for the long term,” GM Yael Averbuch West said in the statement, “and look forward to her first playoff experience with us.”

Third-place Gotham (13-4-4) clinched a playoff berth with this past Sunday’s win over the Utah Royals, and then members of the championship 2023 squad proceeded to Washington for an historic visit to the White House.

On Saturday, they travel to Kansas City to take on the fourth-place ✨Current (1 p.m. ET, CBS) with five matches remaining in the NWSL regular season.