With the 2023 NWSL Playoffs looming closer and closer the ladies of Gotham FC faced some Sunday Soccer Blues in the latest match, which was a 2-0 loss to the Houston Dash in what was a thriller at Red Bull Arena.
Even though the result wasn’t what the ladies hoped for, the franchise as a whole is still in the hunt, as there are two matches left in the regular season of play, including a home game on October 15.
It was a physical night between the Dash and Gotham, as the New York side got off to a strong start thanks to a scoring opportunity by Lynn Williams that was denied by Jane Campbell.
There was some great play shown by both squads, and it was the Dash getting on the scoreboard first.
With moments ticking away to the half Houston Forward Michelle Alozie scored the first goal and gave her team the momentum heading into the half.
In terms of how things were statistics wise it was Gotham FC having control of the possession of the ball by a 64-36 margin.
Gotham FC fans are encouraged to check out the following video as Defender Kristen Edmonds shares her thoughts on the team’s loss to the Dash, on the close 2023 NWSL Playoff chase and lots more….video is compliments of Gotham FC:
As the teams emerged from the lockers after the half, Gotham put all their efforts into finding the game-tying goal. With the addition of World Cup Champion Esther González to the mix, the team gained a renewed energy on the scoring front.
Gotham FC came close around the 64th minute, as the ladies got themselves a corner opportunity. The opportunity started with Midge Purce as she found Jenna Nighswonger for an attempt that bounced around. Eventually the ball found González, who tried to rebound the shot and just missed the net.
Even though Gotham tried to tie things up it was the Dash doubling up the scoreboard, as Alozie once again found the back of the net.
There was a ton of heart and fight shown by the ladies of Gotham FC as the team did everything, they could when it came time to making the night close. One of the closes moments came in the 90th minute when González quickly fired the shot, but the opportunity was saved by Campbell.
In addition, there were lots of great moments during the stoppage time including two by Nighswonger that had the fans on the edge of their seats. At the end of it all though it was the Dash earning a huge three points.
There were a ton of positives to be taken from the night though, as Gotham FC fired off 20 shots in the second half alone, along with 11 corner kicks earned. In addition, Gotham FC was able to have a 72% ball possession and outpass the visitors by a 168-61 mark.
The great news for fans of Gotham FC along with those on the field is that they have themselves a chance to clinch a spot in the 2023 NWSL Playoffs. The road to the playoffs though is not going to be an easy one, as Gotham FC takes on the Portland Thorns on October 7.
The Thorns are currently in second place in the NWSL Standings with a 9-5-6 mark, the road for Portland is going to be just as interesting as forward Sophia Smith is out with an injury. Hoping to step up is Hanna Betfort.
Gotham FC are hoping to rebound and do so on the road, when they take on the Portland Thorns. The action between Gotham and the Thorns is scheduled to start at 5:00 p.m.
For more information on Gotham FC fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: