In a match that saw a bit of everything Gotham FC (7-4-4) leaped up the NWSL standings and had a match featuring many first and feels as the team got a big victory at Red Bull Arena in a final of 2-1 over the current reigning NWSL Champs the Portland Thorns (7-4-4) in NWSL action on Sunday.
Featuring a wonderful atmosphere as fans in Harrison were very much into every moment in the match, a ton of physical play, and lots of scoring opportunities, both squads had the fans leaving happy campers with their style of play.
As soon as the action got underway, one could tell the full momentum was on the side of Gotham FC, as every single member on the field were able to create positive moments and touches. With the ladies outshooting the Thorns 8-2 in the first half.
Portland though kept themselves into the match, and played a great defensive brand of soccer, as the ladies got their first scoring opportunity around the 13th minute off the foot of Morgan Weaver, that opportunity went high over the goal. Two minutes later, Izzy D’Aquila tried her hand at scoring but was denied by the play of Abby Smith.
Smith, has had people oohing and aahing over her style of play in the cage, has had #BigTimeSaves trending for most of the 2023 season, continued to show her quality over the Portland. Amazingly enough, Abby at one point in time worn a Thorns uniform, showed the fans in New York why she is going to be one to watch for during the course of the NWSL Season.
Gotham FC fans are encouraged to check out the following video featuring thoughts from Defender Nealy Martin along with Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós…video is compliments of Gotham FC:
Abby had some incredible moments throughout the night, including just making a vertical leap from one side of the goal cage to the other all in the attempt at stopping the ball. It was almost superhero-esque the vertical leaping ability.
With the fans and momentum on their side Gotham FC opened up the scoring at the 21 minutes, as the connection between Yazmeen Ryan to Jenna Nighswonger to Allie Long got the first goal of the night.
Fans at Red Bull Arena got to see the first match of Liverpool Loan Katie Stengel and boy did she show her quality. There were so many memorable moments for Stengel, including her second goal in the 56 minute.
The action did not end there though, as Portland, figured out the puzzle of creating an opportunity and finding the back of the net in the 62 minutes. The team’s first goal came from the foot of Hannah Betfort.
With a ton of action between both halves, the Gotham FC stood tall, including a huge, blocked shot by Mandy Freeman early on, as the ladies were able to earn a huge three points.
One could tell this match had significance for the team on many levels, including the fact that this can be the moment that can give the team a boost as the 2023 Season progresses.
The great news for the team is that whoever is on the pitch, from those who are currently serving on the USWNT to those who are on the field currently are going to contribute positive minutes, and that is going to be a great comfort as the year progresses.
Not only that but the team celebrated the final game of Nahomi “Naho” Kawasumi, as she has decided to go in a new direction in her wonderful soccer career.
There were so many incredible moments, including the debut of Maitane Lopez, as she came in as a sub in the 72′.
It is going to be interesting to see how Gotham FC does when they get back from the international break.
After the international break they next play on July 23, as they go on the road to take on the Orlando Pride in 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup action at Exploria Stadium. Kick off time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
For more information on Gotham FC fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: