Lynn Williams leads USWNT to comeback win over the Netherlands

On Tuesday afternoon, the USWNT played their final game of 2024 against the Netherlands. All six NJ/NY Gotham FC players featured in the match, with Tierna Davidson, Rose Lavelle, Jenna Nighswonger, and Yazmeen Ryan starting for the Stars and Stripes.

Everyone on the team wanted to get a win in Alyssa Naeher's final game with the national team. Despite some superb performances, they failed to do so in the England fixture on Saturday. The goalkeeper did get a clean sheet though in the 0-0 draw.

This time around, the USWNT could not keep the opposing side out of goal. However, the ladies secured a comeback win thanks to Lynn Williams, who came on at the start of the second half with Emily Sonnett. The Gotham FC forward scored the winning goal, leading to a 2-1 win in the last match of the year.

Gotham FC star Lynn Williams leads USWNT to win

At first, the US struggled in the first half. There were times when the team was messy in their play and passes. They were also lackluster in the final third, failing to get a meaningful shot on target. It was not shocking that the Netherlands went on top early in the 15th minute.

Thankfully, the USWNT needed a lifeline, and they got it right before halftime. An own goal from the home team's Veerle Tooske Janna Roos Buurman, who scored the opener, tied the fixture 1-1. That lit a fire under the Stars and Stripes, and the ladies played a much better second half. Gotham FC star Ryan, who was a little quiet in the first 45 minutes, became more of a threat on the wings. The substitutions Emma Hayes made throughout the second 45 were impactful with how the ladies played.

As mentioned, Williams was one of those subs, and she scored the winning goal to end the year on a high. In the 71st minute, Ryan made a brilliant run on the right side of the pitch and picked out her fellow Gotham FC teammate. Williams, who made the run through the center, found herself in the box and on the receiving end of Ryan's pass.

With one touch and while falling to the ground, Williams put the ball into the back of the net. The beautiful assist from Ryan, which was her first with the USWNT, meant the Gotham FC players are why the Stars and Stripes ended the year with a win.

Overall, this international window was good for Gotham FC. Davidson and Sonnett will likely be considered for one of the center-back roles and can work with Naomi Girma. Ryan will likely receive more call-ups. Nighswonger and Williams will probably be rotated with the options at left-back and forward, respectively. Lavelle can be expected to start most games.

The Bats are lucky to have such talented players representing the USWNT. It will be great to see what Gotham FC does with the side in 2025.