6 Gotham FC players will fight for gold after the USWNT beat Germany 1-0

On Tuesday, seven NJ/NY Gotham FC players took to the field in the Olympic semifinals. The USWNT and Germany played one another for the second time in the summer games, where the US previously beat their opponent in the group round.

In that game, the USWNT dominated the match in the 4-1 win, and Gotham FC star Lynn Williams scored one of the goals. This time around, the two teams battled it out, going into extra time after they remained 0-0 after regulation. Thankfully, Sophia Smith, who the Bats will see later this month with Portland Thorns FC, scored the winning goal in extra time. The 1-0 win sees six Gotham players move on to fight for gold with the USWNT. Ann-Katrin Berger and Germany will have another match to try and earn the bronze medal.

Gotham FC players feature in the Olympic semifinals

As mentioned, seven Gotham FC players played in the semifinals. Berger had a better game between the sticks for Germany. However, it helped that her team had a stronger performance compared to the group round fixture. She had an impressive nine saves on the night and kept the USWNT out of goal for the entirety of regulation.

On the USWNT, Tierna Davidson, Crystal Dunn, and Rose Lavelle started the match. Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett, and Williams all came on as substitutes, with Sonnett coming on at the start of the second half. Emma Hayes likely made the intentional move to limit Davidson's minutes, so she switched the two Gotham players.

Funny enough, Williams later came on for Lavelle and Nighswonger came on for Dunn. This allowed for everyone to take the pitch.

For the most part, it was a somewhat quiet night for Gotham FC with the USWNT. Davidson and Sonnett partnered with the superb Naomi Girma. They did well in the backline. They forced some of Germany's shots to be weak, allowing some easy saves for Alyssa Naeher. Both center-backs were not afraid to go forward either, especially on set pieces.

Dunn did her job as the left-back, where her performance was just average. Her average though is still great, where she too made it difficult for Germany's attack. On the other hand, Nighswonger struggled when she came on in extra time. Players managed to get around her, causing the rest of the USWNT defense to work in overdrive.

It was also a quieter night for Lavelle. She had two shots on target and continued to take the corner kicks, but could not get anything going offensively. Her passes in the midfield were still on point. Then, Williams appeared off during her time on the pitch. She was one of a few veterans who were not at their best on Tuesday.

Regardless, the USWNT Gotham FC ladies will play in the Gold Medal match on Saturday. They will play Brazil in what should be an entertaining game. Berger and Germany will face Spain on Friday as they will fight for the bronze medal.