Gotham
Photo Credit: Michael Franco

NJ/NY Gotham FC Drops to Fourth in the Standings After Loss to San Diego

In front of a record-breaking crowd of 15,058, NJ/NY Gotham FC fought a tough battle against the San Diego Wave, but a lack of offensive chances led the team to a 1-0 loss. Gotham now sits fourth in the standings with an overall record of 5-3-2.

The game had a rather slow start, with both teams going back and forth, trying to start an attack. In the 20th minute, Gotham had a look on goal. Rookie Jenna Nighswonger played the ball to Lynn Williams on the left flank, where she then cut toward the middle and played the ball out to Yazmeen Ryan. Ryan then took a touch inside and struck the ball well over the net to keep the game even.

The Wave almost had the game's first goal as Rachel Hill played the ball through to Sofia Jakobsson, who shot and scored. Luckily for the home team, the goal was ruled offside.

After coming on as a halftime substitution, Makenzy Doniak scored the lone goal. Less than a minute into the second half, Jaedyn Shaw played a brilliant through ball into the path of Doniak. Doniak then dribbled into the box to come one versus one against Abby Smith, took a touch wide to her left, and slotted the ball into the net, giving the west coast team a 1-0 lead.

Smith came up with a big save in the 55th minute. Kristen McNabb played a long ball into the box, where a striding Alex Morgan came and attempted to volley the ball into the net, but Smith caught the ball expertly as she dove.

Smith and her defense came up big again in the 72nd minute. Doniak carried the ball down the right flank before cutting back and playing the ball to a wide-open Shaw, who was sprinting into the box. Shaw used one touch to strike the ball, but Bruninha came up with a huge block before the ball rebounded back to Shaw again, and Smith saved the second shot.

For the rest of the match, Gotham was on the front foot trying to tie up the game, but nothing could get past Wave keeper Kailen Sheridan. The match ended 1-0.

What's Up Next For NJ/NY Gotham FC?

Gotham returns to the pitch on Wednesday, June 7, to face the Orlando Pride in a Challenge Cup match at Red Bull Arena. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. and will be streaming on CBS Sports Network.