When a team has a great environment and friendly teammates, it makes it easy for the newer players to adapt to their culture. Thus far in her rookie season with Gotham FC Jenna Nighswonger, the team’s NWSL First Round Draft pick as been playing brilliant soccer and all of that is thanks to her teammates.
Nighswonger along with Lynn Williams, who in her own way has been playing a great style of soccer were two of the stars in the team’s 2-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday afternoon.
Nighswonger tallied her first goal of her career in helping her squad get the momentum and the early lead. The goal that she recorded is the fastest to date this season, along with being the franchise’s first goal scored in the first half this year. In addition, Nighswonger is the sixth rookie to score during the 2023 campaign.
To hear more about what Nighswonger had to say about gelling with the team, on the new role that she had in the match and lots more. Audio interview is compliments of Gotham FC:
The victory capped a three-match road trip for the ladies, as they are going to have a chance to play in front of their home crowd next on Mother’s Day.
Getting back to the match against Chicago, the victory over the Red Stars is the first one for Gotham FC since 2021, in addition the decision makes Gotham FC one of only two clubs in the league with four wins this season.
“This is a massive win. It shows the style and the winning mentality that this team has,” said Gotham FC Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós. “In the back of three away games in a week where we needed everyone to step up, everyone stepped up. And today, in the first half, it was fantastic. [In the second half], we were tired after the long week, but the team never gave up. Keep going, keep going, keep working and we were able to win away from home. Credit to all of the players, whether they played today or not, and to the staff. This is a big win for Gotham.”
To see more of what Coach Juan had to say about the match fans are encouraged to check out the video below…compliments of Gotham FC:
The match between the two franchises featured some exciting play, especially for fans of Gotham FC, as they tallied 11 shots. As the night progressed Lynn Williams, who has been a woman on fire as of late, had her 61st regular season career goal.
For Williams, she now has sole possession of the second-most goals in NWSL history. In addition, this also marks the 103-career goal contribution in all NWSL competitions.
The other star of the match for the squad is that of Mandy Haught, as she made her regular season debut with three saves and one clearance.
Gotham FC fans are encouraged to check out the following video as Mandy shares her thoughts on the match, on some of the saves that she made and lots more…video is compliments of Gotham FC:
Up next for the squad it will be the battle of Brazilian stars as Gotham FC sends Brazilian National Team player Bruninha to battle against the Orlando Pride, who features fellow stars Marta and Adriana at Red Bull Arena on Mother’s Day on May 14. The start of that match is set for 5:30 p.m.
There are going to be a ton of cool themes for that day as Gotham FC is going to not only celebrating Mother’s Day, but also hosting Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPHI) commemoration.
For more information on Gotham FC fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: