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In this episode of Greetings from the Garden State, Mike heads to Whippany to sit down with Yael Averbuch West, General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations at NJ/NY Gotham FC. A proud Montclair native and former U.S. Women’s National Team player, Yael shares her journey from Jersey youth soccer fields to global tournaments—and now to the front office of one of the most ambitious clubs in women’s soccer.

They dive into the unique soccer culture of New Jersey, what it takes to build a world-class roster, and how Gotham FC is carving out its own path—separate from the traditional models of women’s teams riding the coattails of men’s clubs. Yael also opens up about the ongoing learning curve of being a GM, the importance of community engagement, and how Gotham FC is growing its reach as both a competitive franchise and cultural movement.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Yael’s upbringing in Montclair and New Jersey’s reputation as a soccer hotbed
• The evolution of her playing career and transition into club leadership
• Building a team with international stars and world-class talent
• How Gotham FC is redefining what it means to be an independent women’s sports brand
• The club’s vision to become a globally recognized name in women’s soccer
• Game day experiences, theme nights, and community initiatives like “Keep Her in the Game”
• Why New Jersey and the NYC metro area offer something for everyone
• How fans, from casual supporters to die-hards, help shape Gotham FC’s future

Resources & Links:
🎟 Tickets, newsletter sign-up, and more: GothamFC.com
📱 Follow Gotham FC on Instagram and Twitter: @GothamFC

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