Gotham FC dramatically outplays Seattle Reign FC in a 2-0 win

On Monday night, NJ/NY Gotham FC was in Washington to take on Seattle Reign FC.  For fans at home, it was a late game.  However, it was definitely one to watch.  The Bats wanted to obtain back-to-back wins after their win against the Houston Dash last weekend.  The Reign won their last three games, so despite sitting in eleventh place prior to the fixture, this was expected to be a difficult battle.

Of course, Seattle stole a point from Gotham FC in the opposite fixture.  They scored the tying goal late in stoppage time, shocking everyone at Red Bull Arena.  Therefore, the NJ/NY team wanted to return the favor by stealing points at Lumen Field.  Ideally, they would earn all three.

This was possible too.  Gotham has a strong team and Juan Carlos Amorós put out a fantastic Starting XI.  The Bats might have a busy September that requires rotation, but players like Rose Lavelle, Yazmeen Ryan, and Ella Stevens all got the call to face the Reign.

Thankfully, the roster got the job done and secured the three points.  Gotham FC beat Seattle 2-0, scoring goals late in the first and second halves.  The Bats are now in third place in the NWSL standings, jumping over the Kansas City Current.

Gotham FC scored twice to beat Seattle

Undoubtedly, Gotham FC mostly outplayed the Seattle Reign.  They maintained about 57% of the possession and outshot the home side 12 to seven.  Notably, similar to the Houston match, the Reign performed better in the second half.  Still, the Bats dominated, especially in the final third. 

However, Gotham FC did not get on the scoresheet until the 41st minute.  They had plenty of attacking sequences leading up to the goal but lacked the clinical finish.  That was the case until the Bats found the back of the net.

A counter-attack started a team goal, with Jess Carter sending the ball to Ryan, who passed it to Lavelle, and then back to Ryan again.  The winger ran up the right side of the pitch to pass the ball to Lavelle.  The midfielder picked out Stevens right outside the box, who subsequently passed the ball to Delanie Sheehan, who was running into the right side of the box towards the goal. 

The midfielder tried a weak shot, but the ball bounced back to her.  With space, she slid the ball into the back of the net, putting Gotham ahead 1-0.  Sheehan had been playing superbly throughout the entire first half, so it is not shocking she was a part of the first goal, let alone the goal scorer.

Esther González also had a great game.  The Spaniard was everywhere in the attack but also was not afraid to fall back to help out defensively.  Her work offensively though helped out the ladies with creating chances.  She continuously pushed the ball forward and had some chances herself.  It was not until the 85th minute that she put herself up for the Woman of the Match, along with Sheehan.

While González can play on the wings and up front and center, her goal was clearly a striker’s goal.  Ryan had picked out the forward in the box and sent the perfect pass.  With perfect pace, González shot the ball into the top-right corner of the goal.  The Reign’s goalkeeper, Claudia Dickey, got a hand on the ball, but she could not get the stop. 

The attack was fun to watch, but the backline cannot be forgotten.  They did well in intercepting Seattle during numerous sequences.  In addition, they worked well together, understanding where each and every player was to ensure nobody was unmarked.

More importantly, Ann-Katrin Berger, who had mostly an easy night with easy saves, kept her clean sheet by making an incredible save in stoppage time.  She had to jump up towards the bar to lift the ball above the net.  The German international continues to make a case for herself to be the Goalkeeper of the Year.

This was a fantastic win and a great way to start a busy and congested week.  Gotham FC has a game on Thursday and then on Sunday, so hopefully they can continue this success.