Most clubs would struggle when a first-choice goalkeeper misses time, but Gotham isn’t your average club.
With star goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger currently sidelined due to an abdominal injury, backup Shelby Hogan stepped into the starting XI and earned a clean sheet in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over the Houston Dash.
Hogan made three saves in Sunday’s win as Gotham FC outshot Houston 15-6. It was her first career NWSL regular-season shutout.
“I knew that I needed to step up for the team in every way that I could,” Hogan said during Sunday’s post-match press conference. “Obviously, our defense throughout from the back line all the way to the front line was great throughout the game, so I didn’t have a ton to do in the goal, but when those moments came, I wanted to make sure I took care of them.”
Gotham FC’s Goalkeeper Unit Fuels Defensive Success
Berger and Hogan have combined for eight shutouts through the first 11 matches of the 2026 NWSL season. Gotham has allowed five goals through 11 games, which is the fewest that an NWSL team has conceded over the first 11 matches of any season.
“It’s huge,” Jaelin Howell said. “We have a really tight goalkeeping group in the way they support each other, and make each other better is really special. You don’t see that a lot.”
Howell was pleased to see Shelby Hogan shine in Berger’s absence.
“It was awesome to see Shelby get an opportunity and make the most of it and make those key saves for us today,” Howell stated. “We’re super lucky to have her.”
Hogan has been thrust into duty since Berger’s injury, which occurred during Gotham’s Concacaf W Champions Cup defeat to Club América Femenil.
The 28-year-old netminder credited Gotham’s goalkeeper department, which includes herself, Berger, 24-year-old Ryan Campbell and 21-year-old rookie Teagan Wy. Hogan feels challenged to improve by her fellow shot-stoppers, head goalkeeping coach Brody Sams and assistant goalkeeping coach Michelle Betos.
“It was a huge reason why I wanted to come to Gotham in the first place,” Hogan explained. “I knew that it would be a great environment to learn in, obviously learning from one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and then having Brody and Michelle pushing us every day — I think our goalkeeper unit is super close, and we’re constantly all pushing each other.
“I would say it’s super competitive in a caring, supportive way, which is really cool. Ann is my biggest fan, and that was huge in having success on the field. We all love seeing each other do well.”
Juan Carlos Amorós Highlights Hogan’s Readiness
Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós offered praise after Hogan stepped up with Berger unavailable.
“For her coming in, it’s difficult to play the four goalkeepers that we have, or the three that are not on,” Amorós said. “It’s a privilege for all of us to work with Ann because she’s the best goalkeeper in the world. But it’s difficult to be ready to step in when it’s needed. In Mexico, it was a difficult experience, and she was outstanding today.
“She’s such a great human being. So important for the changing room and today, she pulled a great save on the free kick, and she was really good. So, to highlight someone today, Shelby and the goalkeeper unit that we have, they’re doing a fantastic job. And I think it’s unbelievable, the defensive record that we are producing at the moment.”
Gotham should have Berger available when their season resumes on June 26 when the Bats face the Kansas City Current in the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup held at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio.
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