Gotham FC fails to score away to the Portland Thorns in 1-0 loss

This past weekend, NJ/NY Gotham FC traveled to Oregon to play in their second-to-last match of the NWSL regular season. The Bats and Portland Thorns FC battled it out in a back-and-forth affair for a vital three points. The two teams were chasing the San Diego Wave for first place, so both had the ultimate desire to win.

Alas, Gotham could not score and fell to the Thorns, 1-0. This is despite the fact Mandy Haught had two saves in the fixture but was on top of her game with gathering the ball. She was one of the best players for the visitors.

Scoring issues led Gotham FC to lose their second in a row

The first half had a multitude of chances from Gotham FC and the Thorns. The away team had many offside calls go against them, thus hurting their offensive ability. Nonetheless, the two remained scoreless at the half.

Unfortunately, that did not last long. Mandy Haught made a great save after a corner kick, but on a second corner, Portland took the lead. Hina Sugita headed the ball into the back of the net. Haught and her defense could not do anything.

After the goal, Gotham continued to attack. They maintained attacking possession and kept pressuring the Thorns. The difference was they could barely get a shot off on target or capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities. This was similar to their problem last weekend against the Houston Dash.

The best chance in the second half came in stoppage time. Lynn Williams had a shot toward the top-right corner, but Portland's goalkeeper, Bella Bixby, made an incredible save to force the ball out for a corner.

In the end, NJ/NY Gotham FC lost their second match in a row. First place is out of the question for the Bats. Now, they will have to qualify for the playoffs in the last game of the regular season.