There was frustration, but there was also plenty of things to be proud of for the ladies of Gotham FC as they had the home opener against the Orlando Pride on a beautiful Sunday evening.
The result was a 2-0 loss but that isn’t the main focus as things are still early in the NWSL Season. What the focus is for these ladies is the fact that they have a ton of positives on the side of the Bats.
There were some impressive numbers at the half including the fact that they led in shots 7-3, shots inside the box 4-2, final third entries 37-15 and posession 54-46.
Also, there were so many offensive opportunities, a tremendous play by the defensive unit and an incredible performance by goalkeeper and Player of the Match Ann-Katrin Berger, which included the fact that AKB had some ESPN Top 10 quality saves.
Making the debuts for the Bats included Khyah Harper and Lilly Reale, which are going to be things that are going to be huge pluses for the franchise as the season progresses.
Gotham FC fans are encouraged to watch the following video as Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós along with Tierna Davidson and Jaelin Howell share these thoughts after the match…video is compliments of Gotham FC:
As for some of the other impressive performances Midfielder Jaelin Howell put her name on the scoresheet by having a team-high five shot attempts, which is the most by any Gotham player.
There was also a tremendous crowd in attendance for the match as a record of 9,718 packed Sports Illustrated Stadium in support of the team. That mark is the highest-selling regular-season home opener.
In the milestone moment of the match Nealy Marin was able to surpass the 5,000 regular-season minutes played mark in the NWSL, as she has 5,036.
The hope for the team is that during the course of the next training sessions and preperation they can continue the development and growth and be ready for the next challenge, which is happening on March 28 when they go to Houston to take on the Dash.
That match to be played at Shell Energy Stadium is scheduled to start at 8:00 p.m. and is to be aired on the NWSL + Network.
For more information on Gotham FC fans are encouraged to click on the link below: