3 things we learned from Gotham FC’s 3-0 win against Chivas

On Friday night, NJ/NY Gotham FC played their final group round match of the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup.  The ladies wanted to make the semifinals, but they had to beat C.D. Guadalajara Femenil, or Chivas, to do so.  A loss or penalty kick loss was not good enough.  At the very least, with more games played in the tournament, they knew they would move on with a win in regulation or via penalty kicks.

So, Juan Carlos Amorós put out a strong Starting XI.  He stuck with Katie Stengel, Ella Steves, and Yazmeen Ryan as the top three, for they were the best attacking players available.  He also gave Michelle Betos a rare start in goal.  The 36-year-old has not started for the Bats since last summer, so it was nice to see the veteran get some playing time.  Then, new signing Jess Carter was available off the bench and came on as a substitute.

The lineup the head coach fielded did their job.  Gotham FC won 3-0 against Chivas to win the group and head to the semifinals.  The NWSL team outplayed their opponent and finally scored three goals for the first time this season.

This was a fantastic game.  Here are three things we learned from Gotham FC’s match against Chivas.

3 things we learned from Gotham FC’s 3-0 win

1. Gotham FC’s group win was a surprise

Gotham FC was in a group with the Chicago Red Stars, the Washington Spirit, and Chivas.  Truthfully, some would not have expected the Bats to get into the semifinals.  They had to get a result against the Spirit, which some did not think would happen based on the D.C. team’s NWSL dominance over the NJ/NY side this season.  The Bats lost 2-0 in both matches and did not play their best.

However, they beat the Spirit 1-0 in the Summer Cup.  This put the team in a great position to win the group entering the Chivas game.  Gotham’s dominance in this fixture is why they won 3-0 and will play Angel City FC in the semifinals. 

Moreover, there were concerns about the lack of depth with seven players missing due to the Olympics.  The Bats proved they still had enough talent in the Starting XI and on the bench to get the job done.

2. The Stengel-Stevens connection

Katie Stengel scored two of the three goals against Chivas while Stevens scored the other one.  They were great goals and the two players were due to score.  Stevens had not scored in about a month and a half while Stengel scored her first two of the year.  It was a long wait, so the brace was well-deserved.

Gotham FC needed heroes, so the two showed up.  What is even cooler is that they assisted on each other’s goals.  In other words, they are responsible for creating each other’s chances.  If this did not occur, then supporters can wonder whether the Bats would have scored or even moved on in the Summer Cup.

The connection Stengel and Stevens had during the fixture was brilliant.  They finally capitalized on the chances presented to them, which has been a struggle for Gotham FC.  There is no question they must start in the semifinal against Angel City FC.  Of course, there was a small injury concern for Stevens since she had a slight knock toward the end of the game.  Hopefully, she is okay and will be good to go.

3. This Gotham FC team is a family

After Stevens scored her goal, she celebrated with her teammates.  At the same time, she also pulled out a piece of paper, unrolled it, and put it in the air.  It said “Congrats Shaun + Jess!!”

The reason Stevens held that was because Assistant Coach Shaun Harris and his wife Jess welcomed a baby.  The fact Stevens and her teammates held the message up during the celebration illuminates Gotham FC is a family.  Of course, supporters see that based on games throughout the season, practices, social media, etc.  Everyone looks to be close, and the celebration on Friday evening was just another way to show that the team is a family.