NJ/NY Gotham FC loses to OL Reign

September 25, 2022

For the second and final time this season, NJ/NY Gotham FC faced off against OL Reign at Red Bull Arena and lost 1-0. Megan Rapinoe scored a penalty kick in the second half to secure the win for the Reign. Gotham currently sits at the bottom of the table while the Reign sits in third place.

The lineups for the two sides were pretty similar to their usual approach. For Gotham, Ellie Jean got the start while Taylor Smith was out with an injury. Reign coach Laura Harvey elected to keep Rapinoe and Jess Fishlock on the bench to start the game.

Highlights

The first half was quiet for both teams. There were no real chances on frame, leaving the teams scoreless going into halftime. Substitutions were made for both sides with Nahomi Kawasumi coming on for Paige Monaghan and Rapinoe and Fishlock in for Jordyn Huitema and Tziarra King.

Fishlock and Rapione immediately made an impact within the first few minutes they came on. While Rapinoe played a through ball to Fishlock, Ali Krieger pulled down the midfielder in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Gotham played fairly well up until this point, giving them hope for a different result than what they've experienced. Rapinoe stepped up to the spot and drove the ball into the back of the net. Michelle Betos set up to go to her left but got stuck in her place once the ball went the other direction.

.@mPinoe is money from the spot 🤑@OLReign | #BoldTogether pic.twitter.com/A6cZZOEBcJ

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) September 22, 2022

In the 62nd minute, Gotham had a chance on goal. Kristie Mewis played the ball from the midfield up to Margaret Purce, who took her space and went for the shot. Unfortunately for Gotham, Reign goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce took a step and easily gathered the ball in her arms.

Later in the 78th minute, Gotham had a chance off of a free kick. Victoria Pickett lined up to take the shot, struck it well but in the end, Tullis-Joyce saved the shot.

Gotham had eight shots compared to Reign's 11, and both teams had three shots on goal. The home side had the upper hand in possession with 53.2 percent compared to 46.8 percent.

The match ended 1-0 in favor of the Reign. Gotham played well, but with a penalty kick called, you cannot count out Rapinoe to strike it home.