3 things we learned from the 5-1 Gotham FC win over Bay FC

NJ/NY Gotham FC ended their busy week when they played Bay FC in the NWSL.  They played three games in eight days: the Kansas City Current draw, the 13-0 thrashing of Frazsiers Whip Football Limited, and then Saturday’s fixture.  These matches are a part of the busy two months for the Bats.  While October is not as busy as September, there were concerns about playing time and exhaustion regardless of rotation.

Alas, Gotham could not worry about that since they have to focus on winning.  They are trying to finish in the NWSL standings as high as possible, and a win against Bay FC would help the team.

So, what did Gotham FC do?  They beat Bay FC 5-1, scoring the most goals they have scored in an NWSL match all season.  It was a mostly even battle too.  However, the visitors gave up the second goal and their defense collapsed.  A couple of the goals were too easy against a side fighting for a playoff spot.  The attacking talent of the Bats took advantage, and the question of whether they would draw again went out the window by the 70th minute.

This was a great win, and there is plenty to discuss.  Here are three things we learned from Gotham FC’s 5-1 win over Bay FC.

3 things we learned after Gotham scored five

1. Gotham FC’s goal-scoring boots might be waking up

Despite being a top team in the NWSL, Gotham FC has struggled to score more than two goals in league play.  They only scored more than two for the first time during the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup.  So, are the goal-scoring boots finally waking up?

The Bats scored 13 times during the CONCACAF W Champions Cup match on Wednesday and then five against Bay FC.  This weekend's win is only the fourth time the ladies scored three or more in all competitions.  However, scoring 18 times in two games makes one think that Gotham can score more goals.

Defensively, they have been fantastic all year.  But sometimes the goal-scoring struggles have hurt them, including the 2-0 loss against Orlando City SC.  With three games left in the NWSL, Gotham FC could become the biggest threat if the scoring floodgates remain open.

2. Esther González was a game-changer

When Juan Carlos Amorós brought Esther González on in the 64th minute, he probably thought she could influence the attack since her style differs from Lynn Williams' play.  Many hoped Bay would struggle with the change, and that the Spaniard could lead to the winning goal.

González did that and so much more.  Her assist to Rose Lavelle led to the game-winner, but she scored her brace a couple of minutes later.  She headed in her first goal thanks to Emily Sonnett and then had the ball fall to her for her second. 

The forward was arguably the game-changer, which is why Gotham FC won.  Yes, the Bay FC defense collapsed, but that would not happened without her assist.  González went on at the right time, and her offensive abilities plus fresh legs were too much for the California side.

3. Thank you, Houston, for Cece Kizer

Cece Kizer signed with Gotham FC after the Houston Dash and the player agreed to a contract termination.  She was struggling with the Texas side, so it made sense for her to leave.

There were some questions about her signing as well, but Kizer has already put that to bed.  She has shown why she was signed by being impactful, either as a starter or substitute.  In Saturday’s win, she came off the bench and scored the icing on the cake when she delivered the Bats’ fifth goal.

So thank you, Houston, for letting Kizer go.  She has been and will continue to be helpful for Gotham FC.  Perhaps her time with the Dash was not meant to be successful.  Maybe Houston did not utilize her talents properly.  Kizer has become a welcomed addition regardless of the reason why she was let go.