3 things we learned from Gotham FC's 2-0 loss to the Washington Spirit

NJ/NY Gotham FC's nine-match unbeaten run came to an end on Sunday when they were beaten by the Washington Spirit 2-0. The goals came from rookie Courtney Brown, her first in the league, and Trinity Rodman, her fourth of the season. Bookended by two losses to Washington, this unbeaten run was the team's longest during their time in NWSL.

Gotham FC could not avenge their 2-0 loss to the Spirit in Washington back in April with both games arguably being the team's two worst performances of the season. Thankfully, they don't have to play the D.C. team for the rest of the regular season. Nonetheless, there is a greater than 0% chance that these two teams could meet come playoff time.

Hopefully, Gotham will have some of their forwards back from injury next week against Seattle Reign FC in a 2023 Championship game rematch. Yazmeen Ryan will miss the game due to suspension as she received a red card in first-half stoppage time.

Thankfully for Gotham, they got a little help as some of the teams behind Gotham such as Portland Thorns FC, the Chicago Red Stars, and Racing Louisville FC dropped points this weekend as well. Let's take a look at three things we learned from the 2-0 loss.

3 things we learned from Gotham FC's loss to the Spirit

1. Gotham FC cannot fall behind the opponent mentally

Gotham FC has seemed to have settled into the game very comfortably early on with them controlling much of the opening 25ish minutes. However, a few sloppy fouls saw the team crush their momentum which combined with an against-the-run-of-play Spirit goal saw the game slip from their hands.

Fatigue was likely a factor as Gotham was playing their third game of the week while Washington had the midweek off. The temperature was also a factor as this game and the previous two were most likely the three hottest games of the season. That does not give the team a pass as they should have played much better than they did.

There's no shame in losing to Washington, especially when on a rest disadvantage. Although, this should have been a much more competitive game than it was.

2. Washington has Gotham's number

Gotham FC's two worst performances of this season were their losses to the Washington Spirit. While there is more evidence to chalk this latest loss down to this just being 'one of those games', it's still concerning to be twice beaten so comprehensively by the same team.

Both times Washington caught Gotham at two bad points of the season. The first time was because of the team's lengthy injury list and inability to get out of first gear at the time. This time was partly down to a schedule disadvantage.

This is not meant to take anything away from Washington though. They are a phenomenal team that should be considered a championship favorite. They are one of four teams to have played Gotham twice this season with Racing Louisville FC, the North Carolina Courage, and San Diego Wave FC being the other three. They are the only one of those four to have beaten Gotham in both of their matchups.

3. Their last two games before the Olympic break are crucial

Gotham FC has two games before the league's Olympic break, home to Seattle Reign FC and then away to Angel City FC. Both of these teams, especially Seattle, are well down the table and should be a nice way for the team to rebound after this loss to Washington.

Nobody wants to be on a winless streak, even more so when there is a seven-week gap between league games. Gotham must go into the Olympic break on a two-game winning streak. Not just to avoid this loss snowballing into something bigger, but also because it's then the homestretch of the season with some tough games on the other side. Their first two games back are at home to Portland, who will look to avenge their loss from the beginning of the season, and away to the Orlando Pride. There is a matchup against the Kansas City Current not too long after that.

Gotham FC must beat the teams they are better than moving forward since the season does not get easier. The post-Olympic schedule is not anything to laugh at.