Report by GothamFC.com
The Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment, co-organizers of Times Square New Year’s Eve, recognized NJ/NY Gotham FC stars Ali Krieger, Kelley O’Hara, and Midge Purce – three players from the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League Champion (NWSL) NJ/NY Gotham FC – along with their newest teammate, Crystal Dunn.
As the evening’s esteemed Special Guests, Krieger, O’Hara, Purce, and Dunn pushed the crystal button on the main stage in the center of Times Square, which signaled the lowering of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball. The moment — viewed by billions across the world — officially began the 60-second countdown to the New Year.
On New Year’s Eve morning, Gotham FC officially announced the signing of U.S. Women’s National Team player, World Cup Champion, two-time Olympian, three-time NWSL champion, three-time NWSL Shield winner, and NWSL MVP Dunn to a multi-year contract with the reigning NWSL Champions through 2026.
Krieger is an iconic U.S. Women’s National Team player, who captained Gotham FC to its first NWSL Championship-winning season before her retirement. The two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and Olympian was joined on stage by two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist O’Hara, and U.S. Women’s National Team forward Purce, who was the MVP of the NWSL Championship match. In addition, this trio of players introduced to the world a major free agent signing in World Cup Champion, two-time Olympian, and three-time NWSL Champion Crystal Dunn.
New Year’s Eve Tradition
The Special Guest designation is an annual tradition for Times Square New Year’s Eve that dates to the mid-1990s. Each year since, by selecting a Special Guest, the event honors an inspiring individual/s who represents the human spirit, resiliency, and public service.
Ali Krieger
Krieger is an iconic U.S. Women’s National Team player, who captained Gotham FC to its first NWSL Championship-winning season before her retirement. The two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and Olympian is revered by fans for her work on and off the pitch. She has utilized her spotlight and platform to serve as an advocate for pay equity and in support of the LGBTQ+ community, among several important issues close to her heart.
Kelley O’Hara
Gotham FC and USWNT defender O’Hara is a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion, Olympic gold medalist, and two-time NWSL Champion. She was named to the FIFPro World Best XI in 2019 and has been a part of the USWNT’s last seven world championship rosters. The 2023 season, O’Hara’s 13th in professional soccer, celebrated a return to her former club in the New Jersey-New York metropolitan area where she was a fan favorite after previously scoring 15 goals in 75 matches with the club from 2013-2017.
Midge Purce
Midge Purce is a Gotham FC and USWNT forward, who was named the MVP of the 2023 NWSL Championship after assisting both goals in the Gotham FC victory. The Harvard graduate serves as the youngest member of Harvard’s Board of Overseers – the University’s second highest elected governing board. She is a founding member of the Black Women’s Player Collective and helped negotiate the historic collective bargaining agreement that accomplished equal pay for women in sport.
