Gotham FC finally stole a point against the San Diego Wave after draw in California

On Mother’s Day, NJ/NY Gotham FC played against San Diego Wave FC to cap off a busy week.  The Bats have yet to beat the California side, and hoped to not only overcome that hurdle, but win their third win in a row.

Going into the game, Gotham FC knew it would be a challenge, regardless of the fact the two teams were separated by one point in the standings.  In addition, the Wave always has a great crowd, adding to the pressure of the visiting teams.  It did not help that the Bats have only won by 1-0 results, including Wednesday’s match against the Houston Dash.  With the attacking talent on the home team, they had to find a way to get more goals.

While they again scored once, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.  Gotham FC secured their first point against the Wave while the two teams had superb defensive performances.

Gotham FC started the match strongly, maintaining the majority of the possession and attacking chances.  This start led the Bats to go on top first in the 25th minute. 

Gotham FC draws 1-1 with the San Diego Wave

After a pass from Lynn Williams, Delanie Sheehan did brilliant work to bring the ball down and control the ball for the team in the box.  She gave the ball to Jenna Nighswonger, who picked out Ella Stevens.  The forward used one touch to reposition herself, turn around, and take a swinging shot.  That shot put the ball into the back of the net, giving Gotham a 1-0 lead.

After Stevens’ first goal for the club, the game switched where San Diego was the one in charge, retaining the majority of the possession and creating offensive chances.  Both teams also became disjointed with their passes, turning the fixture into a choppy, stop-and-go affair for the rest of the first half.

That is why Juan Carlos Amorós made a change in the second half.  He took off Stevens, who did well, for Rose Lavelle.  This change impacted the start of the second half, leading Gotham to play again smoother.  Moreover, this increased their offensive chances, leveling the playing field for both teams.

That did not stop San Diego though, for they managed to tie the match in the 64th minute.  The home team had a corner kick, and subsequently scored from it thanks to Hanna Lundkvist, who impressively scored the goal with the back of her head.  Nonetheless, the back-and-forth contest continued.

By the end of the game, Gotham FC had the stronger offensive performance, with 14 shots and seven on target.  Although, the real story is about the goalkeepers.  The Wave’s Kailen Sheridan had six saves, while Ann Katrin-Berger also had six saves.  The ladies put on stellar performances, making impressive saves to keep the game at a low score.

One of Berger’s best saves came in the 60th minute when San Diego had a free kick.  The German player was able to get a touch on the ball and move it to the crossbar, where it bounced off.  The impressive movement and placement during the save illuminated why she has been the starter since she arrived to the NWSL.

The result was not surprising since Gotham and the Wave have two of the best defensive teams in the league.  The Bats would have preferred to end the night with a win, but the low-scoring problems continue to plague them.  They cannot always win with a 1-0 score.

The one positive is that Gotham FC did earn their first-ever point against San Diego.  A win was preferred, but this was a decent result on the road against a team that has always beaten them.