Gotham FC were relieved when star goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was discharged from the hospital on Thursday night.
The 35-year-old netminder was stretchered off the field following a heavy collision with Club América forward Scarlett Camberos before just the halftime break of Wednesday’s Concacaf W Champions Cup semifinal.
Gotham eventually lost the match 4-1, and regardless of the result, the greater concern was over Berger’s health. The 5-foot-11 shot stopper suffered an abdominal injury, and she has been ruled out for Saturday’s third-place game against Pachuca.
Juan Carlos Amorós Confirms Berger Has Returned to Team After Hospital Stay
“I’m very happy to say that Ann is back with us and back with the group,” Gotham FC Juan Carlos Amorós said during Friday’s press conference. “She was released from the hospital last night. That’s the most important thing for the whole group and for the club – that Ann is okay.”
Amorós saluted his players for being able to focus on the remainder of the match, considering that the severity of Berger’s injury was unknown at the time.
“It looked like a very strong impact to the chest and ribs, and it was a very stressful situation for everyone,” he explained. “I really want to highlight how the players handled it. When you know one of your teammates is leaving on a stretcher at halftime with that kind of injury, everyone was really concerned. The way they behaved, approached the second half and worked afterward showed incredible mentality and attitude from everyone. It was a really difficult moment for all of us, and I’m happy she’s finally back with the group.”
Gotham Players Rally Around Berger
Midfielder Sofia Cook revealed that teammates Khyah Harper and Sarah Schupansky brought Berger some snacks when they visited the German goalkeeper at the hospital.
The gesture illustrates the tight bonds within Gotham’s squad.
“It was really scary to see Ann come off like that,” Cook said. “We all had her in our thoughts. Khyah and Sarah went to the mall and got her some treats. We really look up to her. She’s a super great player and an even better person. Just knowing that she was okay was really nice.”
Gotham FC will be without Berger for their remaining two matches before the club goes on a well-deserved break after spending the early months of 2026 playing in three different competitions across multiple continents.
In addition to Saturday’s third-place game, the Bats will host the Houston Dash on May 31 at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Although the NWSL goes on break between June 1 and June 28, Gotham will return to action slightly sooner on June 26 to compete in the NWSL Challenge Cup.
Reigning NWSL champions Gotham and 2025 NWSL Shield winning-Kansas City Current will vie for the Challenge Cup at a neutral venue in Scotts Miracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio.
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