Women’s soccer reaches new heights in USA, became one of America’s fastest-growing sports as Gotham FC sets New York attendance record(via Getty)Women’s soccer in the United States reached another major milestone on Wednesday night as Gotham FC helped rewrite the history books. A sold-out crowd of 42,175 fans packed Citi Field in Queens to watch Gotham defeat the Washington Spirit 1-0 in the first-ever NWSL match played in New York City. The record-breaking turnout highlighted the growing popularity of women’s soccer across the country.The historic crowd made the Queens Classic the largest attendance for a women’s sporting event in New York history and the second-biggest crowd in NWSL history. With Rose Lavelle scoring the winning goal and Australian star Sam Kerr making her long-awaited return to Gotham FC. It showed how women’s soccer has become one of America’s fastest-growing sporting attractions.Record crowd shows women’s soccer boom is only getting biggerThe atmosphere at Citi Field made one thing very clear that women’s soccer is no longer a niche sport in the United States. Fans filled every available seat as Gotham FC hosted defending NWSL champions Washington Spirit in a landmark match that will be remembered for years.The attendance of 42,175 broke the previous record for a women’s sporting event in New York, surpassing the crowd that watched the 2023 US Open women’s singles final at nearby Arthur Ashe Stadium. It also became the second-largest attendance ever recorded in NWSL history, behind only the league’s match in Denver earlier this year.On the pitch, Gotham FC gave supporters plenty to celebrate. Rose Lavelle produced a moment of brilliance in the 37th minute, lifting a perfectly placed shot over Washington goalkeeper Sandy MacIver to score the only goal of the match. The victory moved Gotham into a three-way tie on points for second place in the NWSL standings, although the club remained fourth because of tiebreakers.The evening also marked the return of Australian superstar Sam Kerr. The striker came off the bench in the second half for her first NWSL appearance in more than six years. The sold-out crowd welcomed her with a huge ovation, and she nearly marked her comeback with a goal just minutes after entering the match.The occasion carried even greater significance because it was Gotham FC’s first match in Queens before the club permanently relocates to Etihad Park in 2028. League commissioner Jessica Berman explained that the event was much more than a one-night celebration. She said the match represented the beginning of a lasting relationship between Gotham FC and the Queens community, rather than a single promotional event.Lavelle also reflected on the special night after the final whistle. The midfielder said she feels fortunate to play alongside world-class teammates. She said moments like these strengthen the bond within the squad. She added that representing Gotham FC on such a historic evening made the victory even more meaningful for everyone involved.As interest in women’s sports continues to soar across the United States, Wednesday’s record-breaking crowd served as another powerful reminder that fans are showing up in bigger numbers than ever before.