Soccer-Gotham FC to be honored at White House reception

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden will welcome NWSL champions Gotham FC at a White House reception on Monday, as the New York/New Jersey team become the first from the top-flight American women's league to receive the honor.

The White House regularly receives championship teams from the U.S. men's "Big Four" leagues and the move this year represents "a major benchmark moment for professional women's soccer," Gotham FC said in a statement.

Retired fan-favorite Ali Krieger, championship MVP Midge Purce and Juan Carlos Amoros, the 2023 NWSL coach of the year, are expected to attend along with commissioner Jessica Berman.

Gotham beat Seattle Reign 2-1 to collect their first championship title last November and currently sit third in the table.

(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Toby Davis)