Gotham FC missed an opportunity to earn back-to-back Concacaf W Champions Cup titles by losing 4-1 in the semifinal round to Club América Femenil.
“Very, very difficult game for us,” head coach Juan Carlos Amorós said during his post-match press conference. “I have to give a lot of credit to my players. They gave absolutely everything they had in those conditions.”
Club América Punishes Gotham FC Defensive Mistakes
The Bats looked off the pace in the high altitude of Pachuca’s Estadio Hidalgo, and they were undone by a trio of assists by former Gotham forward Geyse and a Scarlett Camberos hat trick.
“In the first half we really struggled to adapt,” Amorós admitted. “They were better. In the second half we started really well with that goal to equalize. Then they only had those situations on the counter and they killed us there. That’s the highlight of the game.”
Gotham has been the stingiest of all NWSL clubs, having allowed just five goals through 10 league matches. On Wednesday, Gotham were uncharacteristically disorganized, clumsy and were stretched by Club América’s attackers.
Ann-Katrin Berger Injury Adds to Difficult Night
An injury to stalwart goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger is a major concern. The 35-year-old shot stopper currently leads the NWSL with seven clean sheets.
Just before half, Berger went down injured after being involved in multiple collisions. Berger was stretchered off and later taken to the hospital. She was replaced by backup keeper Shelby Hogan to open the second half.
“It was very difficult for us, obviously knowing that Ann had to go to the hospital after that challenge in the first half,” Juan Carlos Amorós said. “At the moment, we don’t know anything [about her status].”
There was a moment where it appeared like Gotham might have needed to make a second goalkeeper substitution after Hogan went down with a non-contact injury, but she was able to play on.
Esther González Briefly Gave Gotham Hope
Esther González appeared to swing the match back in Gotham’s direction when she tied the match in the 48th minute, but that momentum was short-lived.
A late penalty was awarded after Khyah Harper brought down Club América winger Sarah Luebbert outside the box. Because there is no VAR in this tournament, the decision could not be reviewed, and it allowed Camberos to complete her hat trick.
Gotham will face the loser of the Washington Spirit and Pachuca in Saturday’s third-place game.
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