The world’s best goalkeepers don’t just react to danger — they prevent it.
Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger thinks several moves ahead like a chess grandmaster.
The 35-year-old netminder uses her exceptional game-reading and positioning abilities to stamp out threatening chances before they happen.
Gotham FC assistant goalkeeper coach Michelle Betos sat down with South Ward Central to explain the unique qualities that have kept Berger in the elite goalkeeping bracket as she approaches her late 30s — and how the German international continues to find ways to improve.
“I think that Anne is exceptional,” Betos told South Ward Central. “I think there’s probably not a category she wouldn’t be pretty high up in, but I think two of the things that make her truly special and able to play at the level she’s playing at for so long are her ability to read the game, both on the ball and off the ball.”
Some goalkeepers have been described as sweeper keepers, but Berger is a rarity in how aggressively she pursues loose balls, moves the ball in possession and distributes.
Betos: Berger Plays ‘Like a Center Midfielder’
In the 20th minute of Friday’s 1-0 home victory over San Diego Wave FC, Berger received a pass in the goal area and weaved her way out of danger by splitting two San Diego defenders, then lofting the ball to safety to right-back Bruninha.
“On the ball, she is a playmaker — she is playing like a center midfielder,” Betos explained. “She was a forward a lot of her life, and that ability on the ball, the comfortability on the ball, it allows us to play with 11 players. She is so comfortable.”
Berger knew what she was doing even though it may have appeared risky to fans and commentators.
“She’s able to read presses really well,” Betos said. “She’s able to see what the other team is doing and manipulate them and help her teammates to do that. It’s at a very, very, very high level.”
Hogan and Berger Combine for NWSL-Best 12 Shutouts
The 5-foot-11 keeper has recorded nine shutouts through 16 NWSL regular-season appearances this season. Her three saves in the win over San Diego extended Gotham’s clean sheet streak to three matches.
Combining with Shelby Hogan, who blanked the Houston Dash and Bay FC, the duo have kept opponents scoreless for 358 minutes dating back to the 54th minute of a 2-2 road draw against Portland on July 24.
Together, the tandem of Berger and Hogan has collectively logged 12 shutouts, which is the most of any NWSL club.
Berger has now collected 27 clean sheets in NWSL regular-season play, placing her alongside Portland’s Bella Bixby for the ninth most in league history. She also shares the eighth-most wins for a single team with San Diego’s Kailen Sheridan, as each has recorded 34 wins as the goalkeeper of a single franchise.
All-World Game Reading Sets Berger Apart
“She’s a great shot stopper, she’s great on 1v1s, but I probably think the thing that makes her super special is her preventative nature,” Betos stated. “She’s going to be high off her line, she’s going to see a through ball before it’s coming, and she’s going to be positioned well to come get it.
“So instead of having to see a one-on-one, she’s in the right position, and then she’s reading the ball, clearing it forward. It might not be something anyone thinks about, but maybe another goalkeeper doesn’t come, and then it’s a 1v1 situation, maybe a goal. Her preventative ability in crosses is elite.
“Her range is exceptional, but it’s mostly because she reads spaces and she reads the ball really well. Anne probably could be up for Save of the Week once a week or every other week, but I think it’s actually the stuff she does before a save that really, really makes her that top one percent in the world. Her ability to read the game is not like anyone I’ve truly encountered thus far.”
Berger Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
Betos believes that Berger’s relentless drive is one of her greatest assets. That constant quest toward improvement could allow Germany and Gotham’s No. 1 to remain among the world’s best goalkeepers for years to come.
“She’s above 30, but I think until the day Ann retires, she’s going to be pushing and pushing for more,” Betos said. “It’s just the way she trains, it’s just the way her mind works. She’s not ever settled, she’s never satisfied with where she’s at, so she’s actually one of the biggest pushers for a harder gym program, more explosive work, things like that, where she’s already top of her game.”
Berger and first-place Gotham will next face the Kansas City Current on Friday, August 14, at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Kickoff for Friday’s contest is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and Prime Video will carry the broadcast.
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