3 things we learned from the 1-1 draw between Gotham FC and the KC Current

On Saturday afternoon, NJ/NY Gotham FC played against the Kansas City Current for the second time this season.  The two previously met in the NWSL home opener, ending the fixture in a 1-1 draw.  This time around, the Bats were in Kansas City and wanted to steal all three points away from home.

The teams were separated by a point entering the game, so this meeting meant even more.  Gotham FC and the Current are trying to finish as high as possible in the standings so they can host at least one playoff game, if not more.  This also could be a possible matchup in the postseason, so the NJ/NY team will know what they need to do when playing against KC.

Like the first match, Gotham and the Current shared the points after a 1-1 draw.  The home team was responsible for both goals but the Bats created the opportunity to get on the board thanks to Rose Lavelle and Yazmeen Ryan.  Regardless of the draw, the fixture was fun to watch, with both teams attacking and defending well.

There is so much to discuss.  Here are three things we learned from the match between Gotham FC and the KC Current.

3 things we learned from Gotham FC's draw with the Current

1. Gotham FC mostly kept Temwa Chawinga out of goal

Temwa Chawinga scored the tying goal in the 52nd minute after having the space in front of her with no defenders thanks to the perfect counter-attack.  Ann-Katrin Berger tried to reach out to make the stop, but she was short of reaching the ball.  As such, the Golden Boot leader scored.

Still, Gotham FC did well to keep Chawinga out of goal for most of the game.  She had so many chances, either offensive-creating plays or taking shots.  The backline and Berger did well to shut the forward down.  Defenders would surround her and block her from heading towards the goal.  In addition, Berger had no issue coming off her line to catch the ball or attempt a clearance.  There is no question that Chawinga would have had another goal or two without the strong defense.

2. Yazmeen Ryan is still responsible for the Current’s own goal

Gotham FC scored their goal in the 23rd minute.  Lavelle spotted Ryan and sent the ball to the winger, who ran toward the goal line on the right side.  Ryan, in turn, sent the ball in front of the goal, watched it deflect off of Kansas City player Alana Cook, and make its way into the goal.

This might have been an own goal, but this would not have happened without Ryan.  The way the ball went in revealed how poor the home team’s defense was in that position.  They should have assumed there was still a chance for the Gotham winger’s goal to go in, but instead, it looked like they were waiting for someone else to take the shot.  This allowed for the own goal, which was great for the NJ/NY team.

Without Ryan, this would have been a 1-0 loss.  She has been vital to the Bats, especially after the injury to Midge Purce early in the season.  As a result, Gotham FC remains in third place in the NWSL.

3. Ann-Katrin Berger is a strong woman

Gotham FC fans are lucky to have Berger with the club through 2026 thanks to her recent contract extension.  Moreover, they are lucky to witness not only a superb season from the goalkeeper but also how strong she is.

Late in the second half, Chawinga accidentally kicked her in the face.  Berger required treatment, and some wondered whether she would have to come off.  While not on purpose, the kick was strong and could have easily caused an orbital fracture.  But what did the German do?  She remained in the match and played until the final whistle.

The funny thing is there have been many moments throughout the season when the keeper was hurt and supporters thought she would have to come out of the game.  She never did though, and Saturday was no different.  Berger was already known to be a strong woman, but this fixture confirmed it once again.