Playing on the road is always one of the toughest tests any professional sports teams have to face, and then add the fact that it is playoffs and a chance to contend for a Championship.
For Gotham FC in their third NWSL Playoff appearance were able to show the quality soccer that they can play, by earning a 2-0 victory against the North Carolina Courage on Sunday Night at WakeMed Soccer Park.
The victory for New Jersey/New York is one that is going to be special when it comes time for franchise history, as it is the first-ever postseason victory in addition to the first-ever playoff shutout.
In addition, what was also a nice treat is the fact that there were seven players on the Gotham FC roster that made their NWSL Playoff debut.
With an incredible crowd rocking WakeMed Soccer Park, both teams played a tremendous brand of soccer.
Gotham FC fans are encouraged to check out the following video featuring thoughts from Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós along with defender Maitane López and midfielder Yazmeen Ryan from after the team’s victory against North Carolina in the 2023 NWSL Playoffs….video is compliments of Gotham FC:
Gotham FC got the offense going in the 32nd minute, as defender Bruninha passed the ball to forward Lynn Williams and finding Midge Purce for a great chance.
Then around the 39th minute Yazmeen Ryan connected with Jenna Nighswonger, as the rookie blasted a shot that went over the crossbar.
Gotham FC around the 45th minute, then solved the mystery of how to score, as the ladies recorded the first playoff goal in NWSL history. The goal came from Delanie Sheehan, as she just beat out the North Carolina goalkeeper for the 1-0 lead.
Sheehan has been close to scoring so many times and is a big part of the Gotham FC’s play that it is a special moment to see her rewarded with her first professional goal in the playoffs.
With all the momentum on the side of Gotham FC at the Half, the ladies of New Jersey/New York continued to try to build on that lead.
There was a ton of back-and-forth action, including in the 85th minute, as Purce tried to bend a shot into the far post.
Gotham FC continued to maintain the possession of the ball as a great combination was able to find Ryan as she was able to also notch her first playoff goal as the franchise is heading to the 2023 NWSL Semis.
The road to the 2023 NWSL Championship is going to be an exciting one as the ladies next head to Portland to take on the Thorns in the semis of the 2023 NWSL Playoffs. That match is to take place at Providence Park on Sunday, November 5, with the action airing on the CBS Sports Network at 7:00 p.m.
For more information on Gotham FC fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: