3 things we learned as Gotham FC sweeps Houston Dash series with win

NJ/NY Gotham FC completed their three-game road trip in the western half of the United States on Saturday night.  The team traveled to Texas to take on the Houston Dash, a team that has not been easy to beat despite their struggles over the past few seasons.  But somehow, the visitors secured the win, beating the Dash 1-0. 

This also means that the NJ/NY side swept the regular-season series this year.  They did so in 2024 during the team’s record-breaking regular season, but again, even when Gotham wins, Houston makes life difficult on the pitch.  And this game was no different.  After all, the home team outshot the visitors 12 to seven, and had seven on target compared to the Bats’ three. 

But the difference maker was Sam Kerr’s goal right after halftime.  A sequence of passes from Jordynn Dudley, Rose Lavelle, Guro Reiten, and then to Kerr allowed the Australian to tap the ball into the goal with ease.  It was a good sequence, and Houston failed defensively in that moment.

It was not easy, nor was it the best game seen this year.  Still, a win is a win.  Here are three things we learned from the fixture between Gotham FC and the Houston Dash.

1-0 is the theme for Gotham FC

For the second game in a row, Gotham FC won 1-0.  They had the same score against Bay FC during the midweek matchup.  While they only scored one goal in each game, the defense was strong enough to keep the home teams off the scoresheet.  It just shows how strong the backline can be even without the injured Emily Sonnett.

Plus, the Bats won the home match against the Dash 1-0.  And like this game, the Texas side created problems for Gotham.  It was definitely a challenge and not a walk in the park.  But top teams win games like the two against Houston.  So, in this case, one goal, no problem.

Sam Kerr can score, but not PKs

After the departure of Esther González due to personal reasons, Kerr’s signing seems even better than before.  The Spanish international was finally scoring again after multiple games without a goal, and the thought was that she and the newer signing would make the attack much more threatening.  Alas, that is not the case, and now Gotham FC must rely on Kerr.

The team is fortunate that the Australian is here because she can score goals.  There is a reason she is one of the best forwards, and she scored the lone goal for the Bats against the Dash.  In fact, the goal tied González for the most club regular-season goals.

However, if there is one thing she struggles with, then it is penalty kicks.  Kerr is not the best at taking the kick from the spot, and she missed her previous lone penalty kick attempt back when she played for the NJ/NY side as Sky Blue FC.  But she took the attempt on Saturday, and guess what?  She missed, sending the ball wide.

At least Kerr redeemed herself with the goal.  But Gotham FC, maybe let others take the penalty kicks now that González is gone.

Shelby Hogan is the best backup for Gotham FC

For the second match in a row, Ann-Katrin Berger was rested, not even making the bench for the game.  As such, Shelby Hogan started again.  And she put on a fantastic performance.  Truly, she was the reason why Gotham won the match.  Offensively, the ladies were not as strong, and there were even some mistakes in the backline.

But Hogan made six saves on the night, with the majority being difficult saves.  The Dash easily could have tied the match, but the goalkeeper stood her ground and earned the clean sheet. Without a doubt, she was the MVP of the night.

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