Crystal Dunn, Tierna Davidson, and Co. win the gold medal at the Olympics

On Saturday, six NJ/NY Gotham FC players played in their final match at the Paris Olympics with a chance for gold for the first time since 2012 for the USWNT. It was a rematch of the Concacaf W Gold Cup final after Brazil beat reigning World Champions Spain to face the USWNT for a chance at a gold medal.

The last time these two faced, the USWNT held off Brazil for most of the game after Lindsey Horan put them on top just before halftime. Brazil ended the game with more shots and most of the possession but the USWNT came out on top to claim victory.

This time it was different, with Emma Hayes determined to gift the team a gold medal following a poor performance at the World Cup last summer. As for Brazil, they started off the tournament slowly with a third-place finish in the group, but have played their best football heading to the finals as motivated as they possibly could be.  

While it was a struggle, the USWNT prevailed and won the gold medal with a 1-0 victory over Brazil. 

Gotham FC players are going home with a gold medal

Fatigue began to play a factor for the girls, with Rose Lavelle left out of the Starting XI on Saturday. Brazil looked like the stronger of both sides, having given USWNT fans worrying thoughts as the half ended 0-0. There was a gold-scoring scare. However, Ludmila was caught offside by the linesman who denied her a goal.  

Tierna Davidson returned to the Starting XI. She struggled with the Brazilian attack, allowing multiple shots. The USWNT, for the first time, trailed in shots at the half during the Olympics.

Despite another slow start to the second half, the USWNT finally broke through with Mallory Swanson slipping the ball past Gabi Portilho for the 1-0 lead. Korbin Albert was credited with the assist.

The dream had started to become a reality as the USWNT held that lead into the final minutes of the match. Emily Sonnett came on for a fatigued Davidson in the 74th minute, while Lynn Williams came on for Sophia Smith in the 84th minute.

Sonnett had an immediate impact as she made two huge blocks, along with Alyssa Naeher in the final minutes. With 10+ minutes of extra time, the USWNT sealed the win and were gifted their first gold medal since 2012. 

Lavelle and Jenna Nighswonger did not feature, though each Gotham player played a role in the team’s success. Crystal Dunn played the most minutes, while Williams scored once during the Olympics. Dunn also played well in the gold medal game both defensively and offensively.

Overall, the new generation for the USWNT under Emma Hayes looks promising as they will come home from Paris with a gold medal around their necks. The Gotham FC players will look to celebrate their medal when they resume NWSL play in a few weeks.