Brooklyn, N.Y. (November 5, 2026) — Brooklyn FC Women celebrate the inclusion of four players in the Gainbridge Super League Team of the Month for October. Forward Catherine Zimmerman, midfielder Jilly Shimkin and defender Lauren Gogal were all named to the Starting XI, while midfielder Jess Garziano was included on the bench. All four players were instrumental in helping Brooklyn go undefeated throughout October, with Shimkin, Gogal and Garziano playing every single minute in the month.
Catherine Zimmerman scored two goals in three matches in October, including a crucial 90th minute winner against Tampa Bay Sun in a 1-0 victory on October 24. Zimmerman also scored the first goal in a 4-4 draw at Sporting Jacksonville. She is the top scorer for the team this season, and tied for sixth-most goals in the league, with four goals to her name. This is her second appearance in the Team of the Month, after being included on the bench in September.
Jilly Shimkin has been the creative spark for Brooklyn this season, with her standout performance coming in the 4-4 draw away at Sporting JAX. Shimkin made history in Florida, becoming the first player in Gainbridge Super League history to record three assists in a single match. When asked about the record she said “I was happy to contribute in any way that I could”. In addition, Shimkin has created 21 chances, second most in the league, and maintained a 70% passing success rate, while playing 700 minutes over the course of the season. She has also been a threat in the defensive third, making five interceptions and winning 12 tackles, tied for the second-most on the team.
Lauren Gogal cemented her place in the Brooklyn back line, starting all four matches in October. Prior to this run of form, she had played just 45 minutes and made one appearance in the previous six games. She made 34 clearances, four blocks, and three interceptions in these four matches, while also adding an assist in the 4-4 match at JAX. A corner kick crossed in from Shimkin found Gogal making a diving header at the back post sending the ball back across goal before being headed in by teammate Jackie Richards. This was her first goal contribution for the club, having made only three appearances in the 2025/26 season due to injury.
Jess Garziano was a constant presence for the team in midfield, with the third-most minutes played. As the longest-tenured member of the squad, she served as captain in the 1-1 draw against Dallas Trinity. In this match, Garziano also assisted the team’s only goal of the match, sending teammate Zee King down the left wing before a potent shot found the inside of the side netting. She was the first player in league history to be named Player of the Month, winning the award back in September 2024, and returns to the Team of the Month for October 2026 on the bench.
Brooklyn FC Women return home this weekend, hosting Carolina Ascent on November 7 at 2 PM ET. They then head on the road for two matches against DC Power FC and Tampa Bay Sun. Tickets are available on SeatGeek.
