Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who was subjected to several collisions during Wednesday’s Concacaf W Champions Cup semifinal defeat to Club América Femenil, was taken to the hospital.
Club América forward Scarlett Camberos crashed into Berger just before the sides went to the halftime break. Berger rolled in pain immediately after the clash. She was attended to by medical staff and was stretchered off the field.
“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 during his post-match press conference after Gotham lost 4-1 at Pachuca’s Estadio Hidalgo.
Berger Exits Match, Backup Hogan Finishes Match
The 35-year-old goalkeeper was replaced by backup netminder Shelby Hogan, who entered the match to start the second half. Hogan appeared to suffer a non-contact injury, and it looked as if Gotham would need to make a second goalkeeper substitution, but she was able to finish the match.
“We don’t have any updates, but we’re obviously all behind her and we’ll support her in any way
she needs,” Hogan said of Berger’s injury. “We were really sad to see her go down, and we wanted to get that win for her.”
South Ward Central asked Amorós if he could provide any additional details about Berger’s injury.
“At the moment, we don’t know anything,” Amorós replied.
Gotham brought four goalkeepers to the tournament. Twenty-four-year-old shot stopper Ryan Campbell and Teagan Wy are among the club’s backup options.
Amorós Presses for Var To Be Used in Concacaf W Champions Cup
Amorós also vented his frustration over the tournament not using VAR technology. Club América Femenil was handed a late penalty after Khyah Harper fouled winger Sarah Luebbert, even though the contact clearly occurred outside the box.
Because there is no VAR system in this tournament, the decision could not be reviewed.
“We definitely need VAR in a competition like this,” Amorós stated. “I think there was certain situations in the game that should have been avoided. Not only the tackle, but also at the beginning of the game, there was a moment where Ann actually also had a cut on her head. With VAR, probably there is a different decision. I think the penalty from Khyah is out of the box.
“With the level of both leagues, the NWSL and the league here in Mexico, they both have VAR. I think that’s obviously to protect the integrity of the game and to protect the integrity of the players. Maybe if Ann had been protected in that first action, maybe the second action wouldn’t have happened. That’s probably the frustration that we have as a group of players and staff.”
After Wednesday’s defeat, Gotham will next face the loser of the Washington Spirit and Pachuca in Saturday’s third-place game.
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