Gotham FC and Tigres score four each after a crazy Champions Cup match

On a chilly Wednesday evening, NJ/NY Gotham FC played their final game of the group round in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup.  The Bats closed out the round by facing the Group A leaders, Tigres UANL Femenil.  The Mexican team won their three matches, while the NWSL side won the matches against Liga Deportiva Alajuelense Femenil and Frazsiers Whip Football Limited.  The difference so far was the 0-0 draw against C.F. Monterrey Femenil. 

Therefore, Gotham knew they had to beat Tigres to top their group.  Thanks to goal differential, the NJ/NY team was pretty much locked into the next round if they lost, but second in the group was not good enough.  Juan Carlos Amorós always directs his squad to compete in every competition.

Since Tigres was the most challenging team the Bats faced in the Champions Cup, it was slightly shocking the head coach rotated the team as much as he did.  It was thought a few more of the players who played against the Chicago Red Stars would play in this game.  Still, the ladies were talented enough that it did not matter who started.

In the end, Gotham FC and Tigres shared the points after a back-and-forth match.  The 4-4 result was a fun watch, but a poor defensive performance in the first half is why the Bats sit in second place in Group A.

Gotham FC and Tigres score four each in Champions Cup match

The scoring started quickly in the fourth minute.  McCall Zerboni, who last scored last summer, scored her first goal in 2024.  A giveaway by Tigres allowed Delanie Sheehan to retrieve the ball and pass it to the Gotham FC captain.  Zerboni took her shot from outside the box and sent the ball over goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago.  It was a perfect golazo, but the lead did not last. 

Instead, Lizbeth Ovalle had a shot that went off the post and the ball fell right to Stephany Mayor.  She capitalized on the rebound to level the game two minutes later.  A messy backline led to the goal scored.

The back and forth continued but Tigres was pressuring well, both when Gotham had the ball and when the Liga MX Femenil side was on the attack.  Therefore, it was not shocking to see them take the lead in the 15th minute.  The ball was deflected back into the possession of the visitors, leading to an awkward shot by Ana Dias.  Yet, it was one Cassie Miller should have saved, but instead, the Gotham keeper watched the ball roll into the back of the net.

That lead did not last long, for Esther González scored the second for the home side.  She made a great run to ensure nobody was in front of her when she easily put the ball into the goal in the 21st minute.  Four minutes later, the Bat’s defense allowed Dias’ second after they broke apart. 

The goal marked the most goals Gotham has allowed in competitive games in 2024.  Defensive placement errors and a comedy of errors with Miller and the backline led to the three goals scored in the first half.

Luckily, Tigres had their own issues, for a defensive giveaway in the box saw Ella Stevens pounce on the ball.  The forward found Delanie Sheehan, sending the perfect pass.  As a result, the midfielder scored to level the match before halftime.

Defensively, the Bats were awful in the first half.  Gotham FC is known for their defense, but the backline was not strong.  Mandy Freeman had a difficult first half and was run over by the Tigres attackers.  It made sense that Emily Sonnett came on to replace her in the second half.  Of course, Miller did not appear prepared for the game, failing to bail her backline out on shots she should have done so.  Even Bruninha, who is normally reliable, did not have her best time on the pitch. 

The goals did not end there.  Unfortunately, a questionable handball call on Stevens led to a penalty kick for Tigres in the 60th that was taken by Ovalle.  The winger scored the fourth goal, ultimately deeming this the worst defensive match of the season for Gotham.

However, they were better in the second half.  Miller made some critical saves while the addition of Sonnett calmed down the backline.  It was not as crazy goal-wise, but the NJ/NY team tied the match again in the 71st thanks to Maitane López.  The Spaniard scored the best goal of the fixture.  She swept the ball into the air on an awkward curl from outside the box, and everyone watched as it landed into the goal.  It is one that has to be seen.

Additionally, the addition of Lynn Williams and Yazmeen Ryan as substitutes in the second half impacted the offensive effort.  Williams was especially problematic on the left side of the pitch, causing havoc for Tigres.

Alas, Gotham FC could not find that fifth goal.  The draw meant the Bats finished in second place and would not win the group.  Notably, their next Champions Cup match will not be until May, and teams will probably look different based on moves in the winter. Right now, the team has a chance to take home the trophy in the spring.