3 things we learned from the thrilling 1-0 win over the Houston Dash

On Wednesday, NJ/NY Gotham FC traveled to Texas to face the Houston Dash in a mid-week battle.  The ladies’ short turnaround after a win meant they could not celebrate for long, for they needed to prepare for this game.  With that being said, the goal was to achieve back-to-back wins after they secured all three points against the North Carolina Courage over the weekend.

Crystal Dunn was back in the Starting XI while Bruninha and Yazmeen Ryan were on the bench before coming on as substitutes in the second half.  In addition, Maycee Bell earned her first start for the Bats. 

While only one goal was scored again, Gotham FC’s defense was superb.  As a result, the team beat the Dash 1-0 thanks to a goal from Lynn Williams.  This moved them up to seventh place after the final whistle.

Gotham might have scored one goal, but this was one of the season's best games.  Here are three things we learned from the win against Houston.

3 things we learned from Gotham FC's win

1. Ann Katrin-Berger is the first-choice goalkeeper

With another start under her belt, it is probably safe to say that Ann Katrin-Berger is the first-choice goalkeeper.  Despite Cassie Miller’s decent performances, the German international did enough upon her arrival to secure the starting spot.

In three games, Berger has allowed one goal and has two clean sheets.  She has twelve saves, including the two she had during the Houston match.  In fact, the German goalkeeper made a vital save in the 82nd minute when she utilized her foot to keep the ball out of the goal.

It also helps that the Bats have great defenders to choose from that are in front of Berger.  However, based on the last few games, one can only wonder whether the backline and goalkeeper have something special brewing.  Could they end the season as the best defense in the NWSL?  Only time will tell.

2. Lynn Williams continues to make history

Williams continues to be one of the best signings in Gotham FC’s history.  After goals in back-to-back games, it appears the forward is finding herself again.

The goal in Houston was a special one though.  She officially tied Sam Kerr’s NWSL record of 78 goals.  Note the record is for all NWSL competitions.  This comes after she scored Gotham’s 300th goal during the weekend.  In other words, she needs one more goal to break the NWSL record.

3. Jenna Nighswonger continues to prove she is Olympic worthy

Jenna Nighswonger, except for some youthful moments, had a brilliant game against Houston.  Not only did Gotham FC’s left-back help disrupt Houston on the home team’s attacking plays, but she continued her strong defensive performances.  She and the backline aided Berger in preserving the 1-0 win.

One cannot forget that she is an attacker by trade, so her work rate going forward is always guaranteed to be high.  She moves the ball into the attack and has phenomenal passes into the box.  It was her ball into the box in the eighth minute that led to Gotham’s first and only goal.  Ella Stevens received the ball and took her shot, but the save led it to fall at Williams’ feet.  With an easy touch, the USWNT winger put the ball into the back of the net.  That would not have happened without Nighswonger. 

Therefore, the left-back continues to prove her worth not only as an individual player but as a teammate.  She is someone who could make a difference with the USWNT.  Nighswonger should be on the Olympic roster, for leaving her off would be a grave mistake with how she is playing.