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Gotham FC players will see the W Gold Cup final after the USWNT's semifinal win

  • Gotham FC players contributed again in the USWNT's semifinals
  • The ladies will play against Brazil in the finals on Sunday
ByCaitlyn Chale|
Rose Lavelle of Gotham FC and the USWNT
Rose Lavelle of Gotham FC and the USWNT | Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/GettyImages

On Wednesday, the USWNT battled it out in rainy San Diego against Canada in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinals. The pitch conditions were extremely poor to start the match, where NJ/NY Gotham FC players Tierna Davidson and Jenna Nighswonger started for the second game in a row. Despite the conditions, the fixture ended in a 2-2 draw that saw the US move on after penalty kicks.

The seven Gotham FC players are moving on with the USWNT's win

The challenges of moving the ball on the water-logged pitch turned the game into a prayer for survival. Despite an unchanged Starting XI from the Colombia game, the challenges made it a little difficult to watch.

A puddle assisted on the first goal in the 20th minute when it slowed down the ball to allow USWNT player Jaedyn Shaw to run to it and put it back into the back of the net. For most of the match, that was the lone goal. Yet, as the pitch improved, so did Canada. As a result, the team tied it up due to a goal from Jordyn Huitema. This forced the battle to go into extra time.

Meanwhile, it was thought Rose Lavelle received the assist on the game-winner when Sophia Smith scored in the 99th minute. Lavelle sent the ball over defenders to the forward, putting the USWNT back in front. The assist was incredible too, for it looked so easy for the Gotham FC player.

However, right before the final whistle, Alyssa Naeher gave up a penalty, in which Canada leveled the match again. This led to the penalty kick shootout. There were four Gotham players available to take their try, but Davidson, Lavelle, Emily Sonnett, and Lynn Williams were not needed. Instead, Naeher made three saves and scored her own goal to put the team into the finals of the W Gold Cup.

Without Lavelle's assist to Smith, it is possible the storyline would be different. Nonetheless, the USWNT will play Brazil on Sunday. The Gotham FC ladies continue to contribute to these matches, which is not shocking since there is plenty of talent.

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