Gotham FC forward Andrea Kitahata, in her first season in the NWSL, called the NWSL Shield "the hardest one to win" as the team prepared for Sunday's semifinal against Kansas City Current.
"To be consistent throughout the whole year is something that we strive for from day one," Kitahata said after training this week. "I'm really proud of this group to be able to come out on top at the end of the season. It was not easy."
She said winning that much in her first year is something she doesn't take for granted. "I almost have to pinch myself," she said. "What a special year to be a part of a team that has done so well."
Kitahata said she is surrounded by players "that know how to win." She called winning "a skill that is learned" and one that players keep building throughout their careers.
On the playoffs, she said: "Playoffs are a whole new season, win or go home. We worked really hard to be in the position that we are now. You win one game, you move on, you lose one, you go home."
She also welcomed the semifinal surface: "We feel very fortunate to be playing on a surface that allows us to play our best soccer." Gotham hosts Kansas City on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET at Icahn Stadium, with coverage on ABC and ESPN Deportes.
Kitahata asked fans from New York City to bring the energy. "You brought it out for Citi Field," she said. "Bring it to Icahn."