Gotham FC scores four against LD Alajuelense to win first Champions Cup game

On Thursday, NJ/NY Gotham FC opened up their CONCACAF W Champions Cup campaign when they took on Liga Deportiva Alajuelense Femenil, also known as Alajuelense Fútbol Femenino or LD Alajuelense.  This was the first meeting between the teams.

LD Alajuelense has already played their first match, winning 5-0 against Frazsiers Whip Football Limited.  While the NWSL is rated one of the highest women’s football leagues in the world, the Costa Rican team is full of talent.  Gotham FC knew they would have a tough game ahead of them.

Alas, Juan Carlos Amorós opted to drastically rotate his Starting XI from the Orlando Pride loss.  It is not shocking since September will be extremely busy.  Only four players started from the weekend.  Moreover, Cassie Miller got the start between the sticks as she did in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup.

In a dominant fashion, Gotham FC beat Alajuelense 4-0.  Four different goal scorers led to the win, illuminating the depth of the squad.  This was also the first time they scored four goals this season in all competitions.  The Bats put on a stunning display to secure their first three points of the Champions Cup.

Gotham FC dominates in Champions Cup win

From the onset of the game, Gotham FC outplayed LD Alajuelense, maintaining most of the possession and playing at a higher energy level.  This led to the first goal just a few minutes into the fixture.  Esther González had room to maneuver around a few defenders and saw her opening.  With a curling shot, she sent the ball into the goal from outside the box.  It was a fantastic way to start the Champions Cup, and the Bats just went on from there.

Katie Stengel scored the second goal in the 31st minute from a penalty kick.  She was brought down in the box and took the kick herself.  Stengel took the shot by sending the superb goalkeeper, Noelia Bermúdez, the other way.

The Bats finished the first half with a goal in the 45th to send the team into the locker room full of positivity.  The ladies received a free kick right outside the box and directly in front of the goal.  Bruninha had been taking most of the free kicks up to this point, but this time, Jenna Nighswonger was the volunteer.  And what did she do?  She scored a golazo, with the ball hitting the crossbar and bouncing into the goal.

Much to the dismay of Alajuelense, Gotham FC was not done scoring.  The ladies added another in the 53rd minute thanks to Delanie Sheehan.  The ball fell to the midfielder after the ball went past the original target Taryn Torres.  Sheehan sent the ball into the back of the net with one touch, scoring the final goal of the night.

Gotham refused to let up and did not give Alajuelense too much room to start attacking sequences.  In fact, they limited the home side’s chances by maintaining most of the possession with about 68%.  They also constantly got the ball back after giving it up.

Of course, the Costa Rican side received a break when Yazmeen Ryan was sent off in the 72nd minute after earning a second yellow card to be sent off with the red.  This gave them a little more possession and more chances.  Still, they could not take over despite being up a player.  The Bats defended well, but overall, they were still the better team.

The win was exactly what Gotham FC needed after the Orlando loss.  Hopefully, this will spark a run of good games in both the NWSL and Champions Cup.