3 things we learned from Gotham FC's important win over Racing Louisville FC

It was not an easy Friday for many in the tri-state area.  The 25th anniversary of 9/11 brought back a lot of difficult memories.  But in the aftermath of that awful day, sports acted as a way to heal.  This weekend, many New York teams hoped to do that no matter where they were playing.  And NJ/NY Gotham FC was no different.  As the evening began, fans were able to turn to the game and ideally watch the Bats win, not just for the team and the fans, but for the tri-state area. 

The game meant a little more on Friday night.  For a couple of hours, Gotham FC could bring fans some joy after a somber day, as the NJ/NY side won 2-1 over Racing Louisville FC.  Guro Reiten and Jaedyn Shaw found the back of the net to get the team back in the win column and guarantee another week in first place.

At the same time, the goal that was given up was arguably due to a lack of awareness.  Shaw was near Ann-Katrin Berger as Racing players crowded around the goal.  The two Bats somewhat collided, which led to Berger falling.  This allowed Kayla Fischer to score.  Thankfully, that was only the second of three goals that night.

As always, there is much to discuss.  Here are three things we learned from Gotham FC’s win over Louisville. 

Gotham FC honored the victims of 9/11

As mentioned, Friday’s game took place on 9/11.  It was a little sad that the NWSL did not schedule the Bats to play at home that day, but nevertheless, the team still honored those who were lost on that day and afterward.

Gotham FC wore black armbands to remember the victims, which is a common way in sports to remember a prominent person, player, or tragedy.  But for the Louisville match, the armbands showed that the club would not forget.  Plus, the armband is a way to show that there are things more important than sports.

There was also a moment of silence before the match, and that, of course, was thanks to the host, Racing Louisville.  Many teams around the country likely did the same thing, but it still means something.  Although there is no question that Gotham would have done more on the day, at least the teams honored the victims.

Guro Reiten’s first goal

For the first time since joining the team earlier this season, Reiten scored her first NWSL goal.  This was a long time coming, and she did not have as many chances because she mostly played as the left-back.  But on Friday, she finally had the most brilliant opportunity to score. 

Shaw found the Norwegian with plenty of space in front of her, right outside the box.  As such, Reiten took one touch to control the ball before she powerfully kicked it right into the goal.  It is a golazo that must be seen.

Not only was this her first goal, but it was also the first NWSL goal by a Norwegian player.  That is pretty incredible, and hopefully, Reiten will find the back of the net a few more times this season for Gotham.

Rose Lavelle is the difference maker for Gotham FC

Rose Lavelle was back for the Bats after she missed a few matches due to a concussion.  And right away, the play in the midfield was significantly better. 

Gotham FC was better at maintaining possession and creating attacking chances.  Lavelle’s eye for her teammates enabled her to pick them out and provide attacking opportunities.  She might not have had an assist, but her impact was immense compared to the matches that she missed. 

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