3 things we learned from Gotham FC's stunning 1-0 loss to Racing Louisville

On Friday night, NJ/NY Gotham FC traveled to Kentucky to take on Racing Louisville FC.  The Bats strived to earn their third road win in their last four and also wanted to rebound after the draw with Chicago Stars FC last week.  Alas, that did not happen, for they lost 1-0 after giving up a golazo in the second half.

Despite the result, the best news happened before the game began: Midge Purce was back in the Starting XI!  This was her first start since the ACL injury last season, and many hoped she would hit the ground running. She has already impressed with her footwork when she came on as a substitute, and influenced the attack significantly. 

As such, Ella Stevens was the odd woman out and started the game on the bench.  Juan Carlos Amorós opted to go with Geyse as the other winger while Esther González started up front and center.

Unfortunately, the head coach’s attack, including the substitutes he sent on afterward, could not score.  This is now their second game in a row where they could not find the back of the net.  Gotham FC’s stark change from their previous games sets a reminder that there is work to do with building the team. So, let's take a look at three things we learned from Friday's loss.

3 things we learned from Gotham FC’s 1-0 loss

3. Gotham struggles against the press

One thing that is very noticeable this season is that Gotham FC struggles when other teams press well against them.  This was seen during the Louisville game, with the Bats losing the ball way too often.  The home team also did well to make it difficult for them to escape out of the defensive third. 

When Gotham is under pressure, they struggle to get the ball to their attackers.  This limits their chances in the final third and subsequently reduces their ability to find the back of the net.

Thankfully, most teams cannot sustain a full team press for the full 90 minutes, as was the case for Louisville.  They pounded the NJ/NY side at the beginning of the match, but that sustained press did not last.  Sure, there were moments throughout the rest of the fixture, and the Kentucky team did score, but the visitors had their chancs as well.

Still, the less time to attack because of it can impact the result of a game.  This might be one of the ingredients teams will use against Gotham FC.  A solid press combined with great defense can keep the Bats from scoring, which was exactly what the home team did.

2. Maybe the hype was too soon for Gotham FC

After winning three out of four games, supporters were getting excited about Gotham FC.  Of course, it is easy to get excited when any team scores 11 goals in four matches, with three of them wins by three goals or more.  There was this idea that the Bats were starting to come together and would not have the growing pains that were expected for a good portion of the season.

Instead, Gotham FC has proven that 2025 will still be a roller coaster ride full of highs and lows.  Between the North Carolina Courage game and the Washington Spirit fixture, they were 3-1-0.  But then when one focuses on the four matches from the one against Portland Thorns FC and Friday’s game against Louisville, the team has a 1-2-1 record.

Is the answer to Gotham’s success González?  Does she have to be at the top of her game for the team to do well?  Hopefully, that is not the case, for the NJ/NY side has too much offensive talent that should be adding to their success in the final third. 

1. Will Rose Lavelle return soon?

There is no question that Rose Lavelle’s presence is missed in the midfield.  She is someone who makes the team better even when she is having an off day.  While Jaelin Howell and Sarah Schupansky have done a decent job, with Schupansky shining in her rookie season, Lavelle’s return will be a difference-maker for Gotham FC.

Interestingly, the broadcast announced the club is aiming for the midfielder to return to play by the end of the month.  Based on social media reactions, it appears this was the first time fans and the media were hearing about this.  If true, then this is fantastic news.  Friday night’s game in Kentucky was one of those games where one could only wonder what would have happened if the USWNT star were on the pitch.

Lavelle’s return would be like Gotham FC signing a new player.  There is never a guarantee she will make an immediate impact, but if she is close to 100%, then her presence will make all the difference.