3 things we learned as Gotham FC broke club record in draw with Portland Thorns

An unbeaten run was on the line on Friday night when NJ/NY Gotham FC welcomed Portland Thorns FC to Sports Illustrated Stadium. The Bats had not lost in nine games entering this meeting. Not only would a win or draw have extended the streak to ten matches, but it would have broken the club record. And the home side wanted three points more than one.

However, the game ended in a 1-1 draw. This is Gotham FC’s second draw in a row, but it still means that the team remains unbeaten. Therefore, the Bats have officially broken the club record for their longest unbeaten run. This ten-match run with seven wins and three draws is an incredible accomplishment.

Meanwhile, the defensive work throughout the game was incredible to watch, especially with some of the fantastic attempts at goal by both sides. But an incredible goal from Jaedyn Shaw in the 60th minute broke the deadlock. Sophia Wilson eventually scored via a penalty kick to put the Thorns on the board.

Winning would have been preferred, but this was another good game between Gotham FC and Portland. Here are three things we learned from the game.

Gotham FC’s new record

As mentioned, Gotham FC has a new record for the club. For the first time in team history, the NJ/NY side has gone ten games without a loss. The current unbeaten streak has never happened to the club, and as a whole, it is extremely impressive that the streak is still alive.

At the same time, the first-place side has not won in two matches. Hopefully, that will not turn into a streak, for the NWSL Shield is closer than it has been before.

Sure, three points would have been better. But Portland is also still competing for the NWSL Shield and likely will be a tough team to face in the postseason. Hence, these draws look pretty good, especially since two of the three happened to be against the Thorns.

Jaedyn Shaw’s goal was remarkable

Shaw scored the first goal about two-thirds through the game. There are so many words to describe the magic that occurred from the midfielder: amazing, stunning, incredible, remarkable, and so much more. She saw an opening and took her chance.

In the 60th minute, Shaw was outside of the box with some space in front of her. She looked up and swept the ball up in the air to chip the goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold. The ball went up in the air in an awkward direction and flew over Arnold. It landed in the goal, and Shaw scored what might be in the running for the goal of the year, or at least the goal of the year for Gotham FC.

Truly, the goal was perfection, but also not near perfection. It was so amazing and so odd to watch. The uniqueness of it was undoubtedly a highlight of the match.

Gotham FC needs to protect Jordynn Dudley

Jordynn Dudley is constantly fouled by opposing teams. Whether it is because she is really good at reading other players to take on the foul or because she is targeted often, these fouls are starting to get annoying.

Gotham FC must be better at protecting the player and should maybe raise the issue of Dudley constantly being fouled. She was fouled hard enough in the Portland game that she needed treatment and eventually had to come out of the match. If Dudley is constantly targeted, then it is only a matter of time before a serious injury occurs.

Add us as a preferred source on Google