While approaching Red Bull Arena on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the fun and festive atmosphere was felt with the moments counting down till the start of the first ever home playoff match at the venue.
With the fans quickly filling in the seats and the players from both Gotham and Portland doing the routines prior to the start of the match, there was a special feeling in the air on November 10th.
As Red Bull Arena was adorned with Playoff banners and branding, and those in attendance enjoying the pennant that they got at the gates the story between Gotham and Portland started to unfold.
The two NWSL teams trying to determine which of the two were going to head to Audi Field in Washington D.C. to take on the Spirit in the Semis.
After an incredible fireworks display and National Anthem, the action started immediately for Gotham FC with a chance in the 12th minute by Rose Lavelle with a shot from the top of the box that was saved by Thorns keeper Shelby Hogan.
Fans are encouraged to view the following photo gallery from the day. Photos by 1495Sports.com
A ton of chances for both prior to the officials’ whistle to indicate halftime, but after a thrilling start it was a 0-0 score. The stats though were in favor of Gotham as they led in shots (4-1), possession (56-44%) and accurate passes (179-133).
With a blend of both nerves and excitement felt, the supporters of both Portland and Gotham were into every minute and every call made on the field as there was plenty of action once the start of the second half begun.
Eventually thanks to some wonderful play by the ladies of New York and New Jersey they were rewarded with the first goal of the match by Tierna Davidson, which was the first of the year.
Davidson connecting with Lavelle put everyone in a festive mood, as even Head Coach Juan Carlos Amoros broke into a joyful celebration.
Fans are also encouraged to give a view to the following post-game videos:
Nealy Martin talks about some of the emotions from the day and how special it is to see the advertising campaign in NY/NJ:
Rose Lavelle also talked about the advertising campaign that the franchise ran for the first ever playoff match at Red Bull Arena:
Tierna Davidson talks about the communication the team had in the middle of a loud venue:
The goal for Davidson was also the first in her playoff career, as well as the first since August 22, 2019.
Portland would not go down without a fight thought and showed a ton of heart and resilience in their own way, as in the 74th minute a header by Reilyn Turner tied the match at 1.
As anticipation and chances continued to build for Gotham FC, it turned to be the home side and the defending NWSL Champions scoring the game-winner from Lavelle with minutes left in the match.
It was a thriller for shore and in front of a club record 15,540 and with co-owner Eli Manning in attendance to see the action in person.
For Gotham FC this is the second year in a row that they were able to defeat Portland in the playoffs, as they were able to defeat the Thorns during the Semis last year.
In some other interesting stats from the Gotham FC PR department the ladies have a 18-0-4 (10-0-1 mark) at Red Bull Arena when scoring the first in the NWSL regular season.
After much elation and celebration, the team are going to get back to the training pitch to prepare for the clash of the NWSL Champions as they take on the Washington Spirit in the NWSL Semis on November 16 at Audi Field.
The Spirit defining expectations and selling out Audi Field throughout the season, did so again with a crowd of 19,215 in a thrilling 2-1 victory against Bay FC to set up this clash of Eastern Conference NWSL Squads.
There is going to be a ton of anticipation and excitement building towards the NWSL Semis and we hope that fans stay tuned to the page as we hope to have coverage from the rest of the 2024 NWSL Playoffs.
In addition, fans are encouraged to visit the link below to find more information on Gotham FC: