3 things we learned from Gotham FC's loss to Pachuca in the Champions Cup

On Saturday, NJ/NY Gotham FC played in the third-place game of the CONCACAF W Champions Cup. The Bats had to play in this fixture since they lost in the semifinals against Club América Femenil, who went on to win the 2025-26 edition of the tournament. So, they played against C.F. Pachuca Femenil, but lost this match as well. The NWSL side fell 3-0, ultimately failing the entire knockout stage.

Notably, the third-place game truly did not mean anything, for the team still did not make it to the finals. It also would have been nice for the Bats to win. Yet, this was also a great opportunity for some of the players who had barely started to be in the starting lineup. Although Juan Carlos Amorós did not rotate as much as it was expected, he started Katie Lampson and Talia Sommer up in the attack.

But in the end, Pachuca was the better side, especially in the final third. The Mexican team outshot Gotham FC 13 to nine, and had eight of their shots on target, while the NJ/NY side had just two. That alone speaks volumes.

It was not the Bats’ best game, and truly, they struggled immensely. So, here are three things we learned from Gotham FC’s loss to Pachuca, and really their time in Mexico.

Gotham FC must go back to their usual defense

Injuries to the backline caused the head coach to create a makeshift defense over the last month or so. Guro Reiten and Midge Purce both had to play as fullbacks, and this lineup, including any of the available center-backs, had done pretty well. But now, after two poor losses in the Champions Cup and after allowing seven goals total, it is clear that this makeshift backline is no longer working for Gotham FC.

That is why the Bats must return to their usual backline of all defenders. Both Liga MX Femenil teams were able to take advantage. Yes, there are still defenders who are unavailable. But Lilly Reale should be good to start by now.

At the same time, the NJ/NY side struggled as a whole. Too many passes got around them, and they struggled defending against the long ball. Gotham was not the Gotham that fans are used to in the defense. Now, one can easily ask whether the backline is as good as they should be, whether the makeshift backline was plain luck, and whether the roster is good enough to compete with top teams.

The elevation should not be blamed

Pachuca is about 7,900 feet above sea level, meaning that the elevation is very high. That can influence players, and likely, Gotham FC struggled a little with the elevation. But, it should not be blamed. Rather, multiple factors led to the losses.

More importantly, the Washington Spirit beat Pachuca in the semifinals and then lost to the top Liga MX Femenil team while still scoring three goals. They are not blaming elevation, and neither should the Bats. The NJ/NY side has also been there long enough that the players’ bodies should have adjusted.

Sometimes, good teams lose. Gotham FC lost terribly to two good teams, and that is that.

Maybe Gotham FC is not a top side

While the roster is considered to be a good one, these losses, especially after losing to Pachuca, make it easy to wonder whether Gotham is a top team, especially in the NWSL. It is not like one of the Champions Cup matches saw them lose due to a silly mistake. The ladies did not play their best in Mexico.

They also might be unbeaten in their last five matches in the NWSL. However, four of the five teams are out of a playoff spot and currently sit at the bottom of the standings. Fans will have to wait until Gotham FC plays stronger teams in the league to see if the roster, one that should be a top side on paper, is truly as good as they should be.

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