Guro Reiten Faces New Challenge in NWSL Playoffs with Gotham FC
HARRISON, N.J. — Guro Reiten, the star of Gotham FC, is no stranger to success, having won nine consecutive league titles throughout her career. At 32 years old, she has established herself as a dominant force in women's football, starting with LSK Kvinner in Norway, where she clinched the top-flight title in 2017 and 2018. Her journey continued at Chelsea, where she contributed to six consecutive Women’s Super League championships. Now, after a winter transfer to Gotham, she is set to embark on a new challenge: the NWSL playoffs.
This weekend marks a significant moment for Reiten as she prepares for the playoffs, a concept that is foreign to many European players. "I thought about it yesterday, I was like 'oh my god if we lose on Sunday, my season is over,'" Reiten shared with The Sporting News during a training session. The playoffs begin with Gotham, the No. 1 seed, facing off against the eighth-seeded Seattle Reign in the quarterfinals. A victory would lead them to a semifinal match against either the Kansas City Current or Angel City, with the final scheduled for November 21.
The playoff format in the United States is a stark contrast to the league systems that Reiten and many of her European counterparts are accustomed to. In Europe, the league table is paramount; finishing at the top signifies championship success. However, in the NWSL, the playoffs take precedence, creating a high-stakes environment where one loss can end a season. "It's so hard to perform week-in and week-out and throughout the whole season to be the best team," Reiten noted, emphasizing her appreciation for league titles.
Gotham's goalkeeper, Ann-Katrin Berger, echoed Reiten's sentiments, stating, "At the beginning, I found it really weird that you celebrate the playoffs more than the league, because the league takes longer, so I think it's a harder thing to win." Yet, she has come to embrace the playoff system, viewing it as an opportunity to compete against the best teams in a condensed format.
Reiten's success has been built on a foundation of consistency and a relentless drive to win. "We talk about winning, I love winning, but when you've done it once you want it more, you want to do it again and again and again," she explained. This mentality is crucial as she navigates the unpredictable nature of the playoffs, where every match is a potential season-ender.
Adapting to NWSL's playoff intensity
The NWSL playoffs present a unique challenge, especially for players like Reiten, who have thrived in environments that reward long-term consistency. Unlike European leagues, where a single defeat does not spell the end of the road, the NWSL's knockout format heightens the pressure. "It's more unpredictable," Reiten remarked, noting the physicality and fast-paced nature of the league compared to the more controlled style of play in Europe.
As she adjusts to her new role at Gotham, Reiten has been versatile, playing in various positions, including central midfield, left wing, and even left-back. Despite these changes, she has maintained her performance levels, logging nearly 2,000 minutes on the pitch, scoring two goals and providing six assists. Her adaptability has been vital for a team that has seen significant roster turnover this season.
With the playoffs looming, Reiten is both excited and apprehensive. "It's weird, but fun in a way, I don't know," she said, reflecting on the playoff atmosphere. The NWSL playoffs are a true test of a player's mettle, and for Reiten, this is an opportunity to add another chapter to her storied career. Gotham FC is not just aiming for playoff success; they are also in pursuit of a domestic treble, having already secured the NWSL Shield and the Challenge Cup.
When the Noise Dies Down
As the playoffs approach, the stakes are high, and Reiten's experience and leadership will be crucial for Gotham's aspirations. The journey through the playoffs will not only test her skills but also challenge her understanding of competition in American football, where the thrill of the playoffs reigns supreme.
"The Shield is objectively more impressive," said Midge Purce, one of Gotham's longest-tenured players. "But it's still America, and we like playoffs, and we like championships." For Reiten and her teammates, the goal is clear: navigate the playoffs successfully and secure the ultimate prize.
