On Saturday, April 1st, NJ/NY Gotham FC earned their first defeat of the 2023 season in their home opener against OL Reign.
Predictions
Coming off a big 2-1 win in a tough Angel City atmosphere, it wouldn’t come as a surprise for Gotham to strike first at home. With new coach Juan Carlos Amorós, offensive additions of Lynn Williams and fourth overall draft pick Jenna Nighswonger and goals to rebuild team identity, it’s important for the home side to put on a show for their fans
On the other hand, the 2022 NWSL Shield winners have one of the most lethal attacks in the NWSL featuring Bethany Balcer, Rose Lavelle, Jordyn Huitema, and Jess Fishlock. Not to mention, incredible service into the final third by outside back Sofia Huerta. If OL Reign were to take control in the first half, it’s their game.
Possible scorelines:
3-2 W, NJNY
1-0 W, RGN
2-2 D
The Outcome
In the first ten minutes of the match, Gotham made the most out of their 4-1-4-1 shape, winning duels in the midfield and creating looks for players like Williams, Midge Purce, and Kristie Mewis.
Purce was everywhere. Attacking and defending through several positions down the left and right flanks, Amorós said she was fantastic. Williams worked well to win duels in Gotham’s half and create chances for her teammates as the game progressed. Despite this, Gotham had trouble creating shots on target, with a weekend-low 0.39 xG alongside the North Carolina Courage. And the high press from OL Reign made it gradually difficult for the NJ/NY side to stay compact and find each other, as midfielder Yazmeen Ryan mentioned to reporters postgame.
Eventually, Gotham struggled to keep up with the counterattack. In the 31st minute, OL Reign worked the ball down the left side where m Lavelle played the ball to Fishlock at the top of the box. The Welsh international’s strike found the back of the net. Sticking to the effectiveness of a 4-2-3-1, the away side kept the momentum going into the second half, where they would consistently capitalize off of Gotham’s poor passing and defensive decisions.
Despite going down 2-0 in the 62nd minute after a Balcer goal, Gotham made a lot of interesting, yet bright changes to their lineup. Appearances by McCall Zerboni and Victoria Pickett helped to stabilize the midfield line to generate better passing networks.
enna Nighswonger would earn her second cap for the team replacing Svava Rós Guðmundsdóttir on the front line. Midfielder Allie Long would go from the 6 role to a three-back with Kristen Edmonds and Bruninha on the flanks. Taylor Smith made her first appearance of the season, subbing on for Bruninha at right back. Although Mandy Freeman made the starting lineup, she was not able to make it a full 90 minutes due to recovery from a virus. Making her first NWSL appearance since 2015, Sinead Farrelly quickly generated chances for herself and the front line, gaining praise from Amorós for her strong performance.
Gotham FC takes on Orlando Pride for the first time this season on Sunday, April 15th at 7:00PM ET at Exploria Stadium.
