The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Challenge Cup resumed for the final weekend of the group stage. NJ/NY Gotham FC played their final game at Red Bull Arena against the Orlando Pride. The teams ended the game with a 1-1 tie, having goals from Orlando's Gunny Jonsdottir and Gotham's Kristie Mewis.
Coming into the matchup, Gotham's Imani Dorsey and Margaret Purce were unavailable for selection due to precautions. Head coach Scott Parkinson said if the team was playing in the NWSL season, both players would have been available. Gotham was also mathematically eliminated from the semifinals giving Parkinson room to experiment with the team one last time before the regular season began.
Gameday vs @orlpride
7pm @redbullarena
📺 @paramountplus
📱 @twitch (nwslofficial2)
🎟 https://t.co/U49HkGF2JHPresented by @HMHNewJersey pic.twitter.com/CZBQ07yACM
— NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) April 23, 2022
Gotham came out ready to play. They had two shots on target in the first 10 minutes, but both were saved by the Pride keeper Kaylie Collins. In the 10th minute, Jonsdottir secured the first goal of the game. Angharad James sent in a well-placed corner to the near post to allow Jonsdottir to flick it past Gotham's Ashlyn Harris.
The home side kept good control over the rest of the half. In the 45th minute, Orlando's Toni Pressley took down Ifeoma Onumonu in the box resulting in a penalty kick. Mewis stepped up and confidently converted the penalty putting Gotham on the board. The teams went into halftime with a 1-1 scoreline.
K-Mew cool from the spot ☑️@KristieMewie puts Gotham on the board!
📺 » @paramountplus
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) April 23, 2022
Coming back from halftime, Gotham put pressure on the away side right away. They had their fair share of shots and Harris came up with big saves to keep the team in the game. Partnerships between Paige Monaghan and Mewis along with Nahomi Kawasumi and Kumi Yokoyama were dominant in the second half. Monaghan had a shot that hit the crossbar, posing as the best chance of the half.
Agonizingly close for @GothamFC 😱@paigeqmonaghan with an effort from a tight angle that rifles off the crossbar!#NJNYvORL | #yerrrr pic.twitter.com/3iPEm4Q6Yh
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 24, 2022
The game ended with the points being shared between the two teams. Both teams were eliminated from the Challenge Cup, giving time to prepare for the regular season.
Parkinson reflected after the game saying, "It's a step in the right direction." He feels thankful he had the six games to "feel it out" before the regular season. Mewis said the Challenge Cup has been frustrating for the whole team. She said, "Scott said tonight, from the beginning to the end, we're so much better."
What's Up Next for Gotham
Gotham kicks off the regular season at Orlando Pride on May 1 at 7 p.m. You can watch NJ/NY Gotham FC on Paramount+.
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- NJ/NY Gotham FC Drops to Fourth in the Standings After Loss to San Diego - June 7, 2023
- NJ/NY Gotham FC Announces Waterloo Sparkling Water as an Official Partner - May 31, 2023
