Going up against the Portland Thorns wasn’t going to be an easy task, as the franchise is currently first in the NWSL standings with an overall record of 10-6-5, but Gotham FC made things very, very close as time is ticking away on who is going to potentially make it to the 2023 NWSL Playoffs.
Gotham FC showed a great brand of soccer in the Second Half of play, but at the end of the night lost by a score of 1-0. With the result Gotham FC sits in fourth place in the NWSL standings with their 30 overall points, are still alive in the Playoff Race.
In what was a back-and-forth affair on Saturday, Gotham FC fared well when it came time for getting into the final third of the field.
One of the stars in the First Half of the match is Midfielder Yazmeen Ryan, in what was a full circle moment for Ryan she was able to return to Portland for the First Time. Ryan was on the Thorns roster at one point, got to thrill the fans in Portland once again with her style of play.
Gotham FC fans are encouraged to check out the following video to see thoughts from Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós along with Yazmeen Ryan and Sinead Farrelly from after the match vs Portland…video is compliments of Gotham FC:
Ryan got the momentum going for Gotham, as she found an opening in the 43rd minute and fired a shot that went into the arms of Thorns goalkeeper Bella Bixby. Portland responded quickly with a shot from Crystal Dunn that was saved by Gotham Keeper Mandy Haught.
Gotham almost got the opening goal of the night moments before the halftime whistle thanks to Esther Gonzalez and her amazing play, but unfortunately Esther was offsides and the goal was disallowed.
When the teams emerged to the pitch after the half, it was Portland that got rewarded with a goal by Hina Sugita in the 54th minute.
The ladies of Gotham FC tried to make things close, especially in the 59th minute, when Gonzalez found Midge Purce for a chance. There was also a great chance by Lynn Williams, but that chance was saved by Bixby.
There is going to be one final 2023 NWSL Regular Season match for Gotham FC, and the night is going to be an emotional one for the franchise, as they celebrate Olympian, two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champ and Captain Ali Kreiger.
Krieger in the match against Portland, reached her 175 NWSL Regular Season appearance, is one of the many Gotham FC players hungry to get the team to the 2023 NWSL Playoffs.
That opportunity for Gotham FC comes on October 15, when the ladies host the Kansas City Current in a match that is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at Red Bull Arena.
For more information on Gotham FC fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: