Gotham FC players shine in USWNT’s opening match of Gold Cup

The inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup is underway, and the USWNT put up a thrashing 5-0 win over the Dominican Republic on Tuesday. Interim coach Twila Kilgore decided to rest most of their regular starters while starting four NJ/NY Gotham FC players, including just a second start for Jenna Nighswonger in three caps for the side. The NWSL Rookie of the Year, Lynn Williams, Midge Purce, and Emily Sonnett got the call to start as Crystal Dunn, Rose Lavelle, and Tierna Davidson started on the bench.

The match opened with a brilliant cross from Nighswonger to Williams for a header just two minutes into the game. Unfortunately, the goal was later overturned after Sophia Smith got in the way of Dominican Republic’s keeper Paloma Peña that was ruled offsides.  

However, the team later responded with Olivia Moultrie getting her first goal with the USWNT, a play created by Purce's run in the box. In the 30th minute, Williams got her goal back with a goal assisted by none other than Purce to make it 2-0.  

Gotham FC stars for the USWNT

The game would stay the same heading into halftime, with the United States holding on to 77.6 percent of the possession. Nighswonger had been putting up a show during the first half, playing the entire length of the field while taking the lead in the set pieces for the side.  

Meanwhile, the second half saw the Gotham FC ladies continue to soar for the USWNT. Purce recorded yet another assist to Moultrie to make it 3-0. Her match ended in the 65th minute as she was subbed off for Trinity Rodman. The winger would end with two assists on the day, one of her best performances for the national team.  

Gotham fans also got to see Rose Lavelle come on to play the final 15 minutes of the match; she’s expected to play a big role in the midfield for the remainder of the tournament.  

After Jaedyn Shaw picked up a foul in the box, Nighswonger stepped up to take the penalty while converting her first goal for the USWNT in the 86th. She ended up having an upstanding performance and will be in contention to keep her starting role throughout the tournament.  

Despite just a goal, Williams continued to have a great match, making plays on the side of the field while totaling eight shots (two on target). After the first game, it is safe to say that both Nighswonger and Purce will be in contention for a regular starting role in the Gold Cup. There will also be time to see Dunn and Davidson, as both were unused subs. 

The next match for the USWNT will be against Argentina on Friday at 10:15 EST. Gotham FC supporters can catch the seven players and the rest of the national team then.