3 things we learned from Gotham FC's 1-0 loss to North Carolina

NJ/NY Gotham FC faced another 2023 playoff rematch game, and this time it was against the North Carolina Courage in Cary. They had an impressive performance against Portland Thorns FC for their first win of the season but were now up against some fierce talent in the Courage.  

However, it was not the easiest of weeks for the Bats as they learned about the loss of Midge Purce for the rest of the season. Still without Rose Lavelle and Lynn Williams, Gotham had to find other ways to find goals without some of their strong attackers. Unfortunately, they failed to score in the 1-0 loss to the Courage.

Here are three things we learned from the match between Gotham FC and the North Carolina Courage.  

3 things we learned from Gotham FC’s loss 

1. Rose Lavelle’s presence is really needed

Lavelle is still looking to make her Gotham FC debut as he struggles with a lower leg injury. There seems to be a big disconnect in the midfield as both Emily Sonnett and Nealy Martin are struggling to connect with the attack. What Lavelle does best is finding players and launching perfect crosses while also covering a ton of ground.  

Especially without Purce, Gotham will need to replace that attacking power, and Lavelle may be the answer to all of that. With the international break coming up, this could help the midfielder get extra rest as she looks to make her debut on April 14 against first-place Kansas City Current. 

2. Tierna Davidson is back

Tierna Davidson got her second start in a row in the backline and put on a great performance, despite allowing one goal to Brianna Pinto. She completed five clearances with two blocks and two interceptions while winning five duels. Davidson had fallen out of favor with the USWNT due to a few injury problems and issues with form.

However, at just 25 years old, Davidson will want to start the prime of her career on the right foot, and Gotham FC has given her that opportunity. She also looks to settle great in the chemistry and style of play, with Juan Carlos Amorós finding his number one defender for the Bats. 

3. Crystal Dunn may remain on the wings

The news of Purce’s injury hit the team hard as they will be without one of their top attacking players. Crystal Dunn typically plays as a midfielder in the NWSL and a left-back with the national team. Though, she did grow up as a winger and made her mark in college for her goal-scoring ability. The good thing about Dunn playing in the wing is her speed to outrun defenders and winning long balls. However, she has not scored many goals of late with just seven goals since 2020.

Getting her back to the swing of scoring ways could take time, but it should not be impossible. Once Williams returns from injury, we will get a better look at how the attacking trio of Esther González, Dunn, and Williams. When the Gotham FC players are healthy and fit, they can cause some serious damage in the league.