3 things we learned from the challenging Gotham FC win against the Houston Dash

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, NJ/NY Gotham FC welcomed the Houston Dash to New Jersey for another NWSL match.  The Bats entered Sunday on a high after winning 4-0 against LD Alajuelense, absolutely dominating the CONCACAF W Champions Cup game.

It was thought Gotham FC would dominate the Houston Dash as well.  The Texas side was in last place entering Sunday’s fixture.  On paper, the home team was undoubtedly the stronger side.

Alas, the Dash shocked everyone and played well, making life difficult for Gotham FC.  After trading goals via Yazmeen Ryan in the 10th minute and Diana Ordóñez in the 17th, the result almost ended in a draw.  However, a goal from Esther González in second-half stoppage time secured the 2-1 win for the Bats.

The challenging game means there are things that must be discussed.  Here are three things we learned from Gotham FC’s win over Houston.

3 things we learned from Gotham FC’s 2-1 win

1. Houston made it difficult for Gotham FC

Many fans might have thought Gotham FC would dominate this game.  That was not the case, for the Dash gave the home team a challenge.  They had seven shots to the Bats’ nine, but both had three on target.  The visitors still created attacking sequences and had spells of possession that were concerning.

Moreover, Houston’s defensive work was superb.  There was a reason Gotham’s attack was limited and most of the game was tied.  Credit must be given when due, for Skyscraper Blues was convinced this would be an easier fixture based on the 3-0 prediction.  Instead, the NJ/NY side was fortunate to win.  This might be a rough season for the Dash, but they can compete.

2. Jéssica Silva’s debut did not go according to plan

One of Gotham FC’s summer signings, Jéssica Silva, made her debut in the 63rd minute when she came on for Crystal Dunn.  She had some good moments during her time on the pitch, but she was fortunate to not be sent off with a red card.  She a made lunging foul on Tarciane that was reckless.  It was impressive that she was not sent off, but at the same time, it was borderline.

That foul is not something the forward should be doing.  To make matters worse, she had to come off as a concussion substitute after she was injured late in the second half.  Hopefully, she is okay.

This was not the way anyone thought her debut would go.  It was shadowed by the foul and her injury.  The potential of what she could do was at least on display.

3. Gotham FC is lucky Esther González scored

Gotham FC is lucky to come away with a win.  Thankfully, Lynn Williams made the perfect pass to González in the box in stoppage time (90’ + 3’) to create the scoring chance.  The Spanish forward managed to turn around despite having a Houston defender in front of her and struck her shot.  Jane Campbell could not make the stop as the ball went into the goal to secure the three points.

As mentioned, it was thought the Bats should have dominated the game.  But the Dash played better than people thought they would.  For the longest time, this game was heading toward a draw, but González was there and finally scored her first league goal in months.

Ideally, this will lead the Spaniard to score more goals in the NWSL again.  Gotham FC needs her as they continue to play the remaining games.