Kelley O’Hara gets standing ovation after long-awaited return for Gotham FC

After nearly five months out with injuries, O’Hara’s return drew big cheers at Red Bull Arena

Kelley O’Hara made her long-awaited return to the pitch Monday night, and fans at Red Bull Arena were delighted to see the U.S. women’s national team legend back in action.

O’Hara received a standing ovation during NJ/NY Gotham FC’s 3-1 friendly loss to Chelsea as she replaced McCall Zerboni.

The action was O’Hara’s first of any kind since March 30, with ankle and knee injuries keeping the veteran on the sideline for Gotham ever since. In May, the 36-year-old announced that she would retire at the conclusion of the 2024 NWSL season.

A pre-game social media post from Gotham revealed that O’Hara would be in uniform against Chelsea. The two-time World Cup winner would enter the match in the 85th minute, with Zerboni handing O’Hara the captain’s armband as the pair hugged at midfield.

There are at least 15 matches ahead for O’Hara before she officially hangs up her boots. The Bats have 10 more NWSL regular-season games ahead, along with four games in the Concacaf W Champions Cup and October’s NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup final.

Gotham, in fourth place on 31 points, is comfortably on course to make the NWSL playoffs. With ninth-place Racing Louisville 15 points further back, it stands to reason that O’Hara will get a shot at winning the NWSL championship for a third time.

Watch the ovation for O’Hara’s return

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