WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said Monday that “a woman can do anything a man can do … including be president of the United States,” as he welcomed the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League champions FC Gothamthe first time in the league’s 11-year history that a team received an invitation from the White House.
Biden’s Vice President, Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, told the crowd that representation at the highest levels matters.
“When fans see you play, they see the power of example off the field,” Biden said. “It matters. You’re leading the way in providing sports medicine and women’s health care.”
Gotham, the team from the New York and New Jersey region, won the 2023 NWSL championship last November with a 2-1 victory over Seattle Reign FC. It was the first trophy for the team, and it was only a year after they finished in last place. The trophy was displayed in the East Room as the team gathered on daisies. The ceremony was attended by Gotham players, staff, owners and NWSL Commissioner Jessica Bermanand a band played “We are the Champions”
“One thing is clear, this organization is no stranger to adversity,” Biden said. “In 2022, Gotham finished last in the entire league and we doubted our ability to turn the tide, but you never gave up.”
Biden invited children in the audience to come up onstage with the team for a photo after accepting a team uniform from retired captain Ali Krieger.
The team heads back to the play-offs after a 1-0 victory over the Utah Royals on Sunday. Yazmeen Ryan scored in the third minute.
Biden said it appeared the team was headed for a second victory and another trip back to the White House. “I won’t be president, but ask if I can come and listen,” he said.
A professional women’s soccer club was invited to the White House in 2010, but it was a different league, Women’s Professional Soccer, that preceded the NWSL. The winning team, Sky Blue FC, was later renamed Gotham. Barack Obama was president at the time.