Gotham FC Wins A Nail Biter 1-0 Over Washington Spirit

June 6, 2022

Yesterday's matchup between Gotham FC (3-2) and Washington Spirit (1-4-2) was a close game as the home side took home a 1-0 victory. Both teams have played 30 matches against each other in all NWSL, competitions (Challenge Cup, Fall Series, regular season and playoffs), with the Spirit having won 13 of those (D8 L9). The Portland Thorns vs. the Charlotte Reign is the only NWSL matchup that has appeared more times. Both teams were ready and locked in for this game, going through the pregame warmups, lineups and national anthem.

Gotham FC were able to get some good looks in the beginning of the game but couldn't convert. At the 21st minute, midfielder Margaret Purce scored the only goal of the game for Gotham FC assisted by Ifeomu Onumonu with a nice follow thru to finish. Their defense was great the whole game as the Washington Spirit struggled to find open looks in the first half. Gotham FC goalkeeper Michelle Betos was outstanding, making huge saves against Washington Spirit. At halftime, Washington Spirit were looking to make adjustments and come up with a better game plan.

In the second half, Washington Spirit made a bunch of substitutions with defender Amber Brooks and midfielder Taylor Aylmer coming in after halftime. Defender Morgan Elizabeth Goff, midfielder and Madison Elwell came on in the 62nd minute, while midfielder Marissa Sheva was brought on during the 73rd minute.

At the 74th minute, Gotham FC midfielder Paige Monaghan got a yellow card. Gotham FC started to make some substitutions at the 82nd minute with striker Cameron Tucker and midfielder Nahomi Kawasumi. In the 87th minute defender Gina Lewandowski, while midfielder Nicole Baxter came on a minute later. Betos received a yellow card at the 88th minute. Then in the 90th + 8 minute, Goff received a yellow card.

This game had a lot of questionable calls and some injuries occurred on both sides during stoppage time. The Washington Spirit bench also got a yellow card because head coach Kris Ward was arguing about a play and trying to figure out what happened. The Spirit got some open looks in the second half but could not capitalize. Captain McCall Zerboni came up big on defense and making sure her teammates were on the same page. She is a great leader as she provides her team with the toughness to win tight games. Ali Krieger also had a fantastic game for Gotham FC.

Gotham FC head coach Scott Parkinson had a good gameplan as they played team soccer to get this huge win yesterday against Washington Spirit who has their number in recent years. Here are the final stats for Gotham FC in the 1-0 win yesterday. They had 14 shots, five on target and had 43% possession along with five corners. They completed 69% of their passes and received two yellow cards in the match. Overall, this will give them confidence moving forward and continuing to get better as a team.

What's Next for Gotham FC

Gotham FC's next match is Saturday June 11 at 8:30 Pm against Kansas City and will look to get key players back from injury as goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris who is recovering from a back injury right now.