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Gotham FC players help USWNT secure group win at Olympics

  • Five Gotham FC players played in the USWNT game against Australia
  • The USWNT won 2-1
ByCaitlyn Chale|
Emily Sonnett of the USWNT and Gotham FC
Emily Sonnett of the USWNT and Gotham FC | Brad Smith/ISI/GettyImages

On Wednesday, the USWNT played their final game of the group round in the Olympics. Five players from NJ/NY Gotham FC played during the game, with only Tierna Davidson not playing. The center-back was unavailable after suffering a knock during the weekend's match against Germany. Otherwise, Crystal Dunn, Rose Lavelle, and Emily Sonnett started the fixture. Jenna Nighswonger and Lynn Williams came on as substitutes.

The USWNT won 2-1 against Australia, securing the top spot in Group B. Goals from Trinity Rodman and Korbin Albert secured the win for the Americans. Plus, the defense held on in the final minutes after a late surge from the opposing side.

A look at the Gotham FC players against Australia

While none of the Gotham FC ladies scored as Williams did against Germany, they were still a vital part of the USWNT's win. Dunn started as the left-back while Nighswonger came on for the veteran at the start of the second half. Both players did well offensively and defensively. They moved the ball forward with ease and served it into the box.

Meanwhile, Sonnett was superb in the backline, which is not surprising since she does well there with Gotham. She did well with marking Australian players and keeping them from goal-scoring chances. The goal given up in stoppage time in the second half was a group mistake, so when one excludes that, Sonnett proved her worth to Emma Hayes. Davidson was missed, but the USWNT is lucky to have a few talents to choose from in the backline.

One cannot forget about Lavelle. She continued to shine in the midfield and was again involved in a goal. It was her corner kick that put the ball into the box to lead Rodman to score the opening goal. Her passing precision and ability to pick out teammates make her a menace to any opposing side. Her threatening presence on set pieces was clearly on display against Australia, especially during that vital corner kick.

Finally, Williams came on in the 65th minute and was threatening in the attack. She could not grab another goal, but she definitely made the Australian defenders work.

The five were not the only Bats to play on Wednesday. Ann-Katrin Berger started for Germany against Zambia and allowed just one goal in the 4-1 win.

Next up, the Gotham FC players will play in the quarterfinals. The USWNT will take on Japan and Germany will play against Canada. Both games will be on Saturday.

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