Boston Legacy breaks NWSL attendance record for largest inaugural home opener

Over 30,200 fans attended the match at Gillette Stadium against New York Gotham FC on Saturday.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:20pm

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Boston Legacy started off its first game by breaking records, becoming the highest-attended inaugural home opener in National Women's Soccer League history. Despite the record-breaking attendance, Legacy lost to the defending NWSL champions, Gotham FC 0-1.

Why it matters

This record-breaking attendance highlights the growing popularity of women's professional soccer in the Boston area and the excitement surrounding the launch of the new Boston Legacy franchise. The large crowd demonstrates the potential for the NWSL to continue expanding its fanbase and reach.

The details

Boston Legacy President Jennifer van Dijk said that the team had sold over 26,000 tickets as of Friday. Legacy put up a great effort with 9 shots in total and 2 shots on goal during the entirety of the match, but Gotham's Esther González slipped a goal past Legacy goalkeeper Casey Murphy in the second half. Bianca St-Georges was given a second yellow card around the 75-minute mark, leaving Legacy to play 10 players to Gotham's 11 during the final minutes.

  • The match was played on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
  • Legacy will play the Houston Dash at Shell Energy Stadium on March 21.

The players

Jennifer van Dijk

The president of the Boston Legacy.

Filipa Patão

The head coach of the Boston Legacy.

Esther González

A player for New York Gotham FC who scored the winning goal against Boston Legacy.

Casey Murphy

The goalkeeper for the Boston Legacy.

Bianca St-Georges

A player for the Boston Legacy who received two yellow cards and was ejected from the match.

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What they’re saying

“This environment, to the players, to women's football, I think contributes a lot to the game. I think we need to continue to do that.”

— Filipa Patão, Head Coach, Boston Legacy

“I'm proud of the team. I'm proud of the work we did this entire weeks of the preseason, but for us we want to win this game.”

— Filipa Patão, Head Coach, Boston Legacy

What’s next

Legacy will play the Houston Dash at Shell Energy Stadium on March 21.

The takeaway

The record-breaking attendance for Boston Legacy's inaugural home opener demonstrates the growing popularity of women's professional soccer in the Boston area and the potential for the NWSL to continue expanding its fanbase across the country.