Josefine Hasbo returned to Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday in her familiar No. 5 jersey, but this time she was sporting the crest of visiting Boston Legacy FC.
The 24-year-old midfielder played her part with her high work rate, helping Boston earn a 1-1 draw against her former club, Gotham FC.
Following the match, South Ward Central caught up with Hasbo in the mixed zone, where she expressed her feelings after returning to her former home.
Boston Legacy FC Midfielder Still Feels Connected to Gotham FC
“It’s just amazing to see the players from Gotham again, to see the staff members and to feel that I still ultimately have a connection to the team because of my great experience with the team,” Hasbo told South Ward Central. “It feels great. It’s a beautiful field, beautiful surroundings.”
Hasbo is pleased to be a member of the Legacy, where she’s being counted on to play a key role for the expansion side. The Denmark international has started in four consecutive matches for the Legacy and has logged a total of 411 minutes across eight NWSL contests.
“I also feel that I’m in the right place right now,” she said. “I’m very proud to be with Boston. As you know, athletics and sports move on. This is a new season and new things to achieve, and I’m happy to do that with Boston.
“We had to show a lot of character today and had to keep fighting to get the point, which I believe we deserved today. I’m very proud of the group.”
Prior to Saturday’s match, Hasbo and fellow former Gotham teammate Ella Stevens received championship rings from Gotham general manager and head of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West. Stevens was named to the bench but did not take part in Saturday’s match.
“It’s a big milestone to win a championship, and I was very fortunate to do it with a great, great group when we won,” Hasbo recalled. “It’s always great to reconnect.”
Sarah Schupansky Praises Former Gotham FC Teammates
South Ward Central asked Gotham FC midfielder Sarah Schupansky about her experiences playing alongside Stevens and Hasbo.
“Josie and Ella are very special players,” Schupansky said after the match. “But they’re even more special people. They’re so kind, and they really added a ton to the environment. They showed up every day and worked their absolute hardest.
“From the second I stepped on the team, Ella showed me only kindness and support. For that, I can only say thank you. I’m really excited to see them thrive, even though it’s unfortunately not in our environment any more, because I just love them as people. That’s what they deserve. They showed up every single day and put in the same amount of effort regardless of the playing time that they were getting.
“Anything that they were personally going through, they left it off the field, and they showed up, and they were great teammates. It’s tough to see them on the other side, but I’m always rooting for them.”
Juan Carlos Amorós Calls Hasbo and Stevens ‘Forever Gotham Champions’
Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós praised Stevens and Hasbo for their impact in helping the club to a second NWSL championship.
“Ella and Josie were fantastic people and important parts of the championship team,” Amorós stated. “It was special to see them back and smiling and showing appreciation for the club, the players and the staff.
“Ella especially was a very important part of this club for multiple years and grew her career here. Both of them are forever Gotham champions, and they deserve to be celebrated when they come back.”
Josefine Hasbo Sees Potential in Gotham FC-Boston Legacy Rivalry
Hasbo is hoping that future matches between the Legacy and Gotham will develop into a key rivalry for the NWSL, given the historical nature of Boston and New York teams being bitter foes across several sports.
“Historically, when you look at the different sports franchises in New York and in Boston, that kind of rivalry exists,” she said. “I think it would be a good thing for the league to have this rivalry because it would attract more fans and engagement essentially.”
Given that the first two samplings of the Gotham-Legacy rivalry have been physical, closely contested affairs, it’s probable that future meetings between these Northeast corridor sides will take on increased significance.
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