Gotham FC extended their unbeaten streak to eight games and their winning streak to four after Friday’s 2-1 victory over the visiting Kansas City Current.
The win moves first-place Gotham seven points ahead of the Washington Spirit, though the Spirit will have the opportunity to respond on Sunday when they face Angel City FC.
Gotham FC were put under immediate pressure from the visiting Current. Amelia White gave the Current a 1-0 lead in the first minute after Croix Bethune slipped a precise through ball past Gotham’s backline.
Harris: Gotham Wants To Make Sports Illustrated Stadium ‘A Fortress’
Acting Gotham FC head coach Shaun Harris praised his squad’s character for rallying after the early goal against.
“We spoke before the game about really trying to make this place a fortress, make it really difficult to come,” Harris said during his post-match press conference.
“I think going a goal down so early, the team showed real character and the response, I can’t say highly enough of them. The response that they showed to stick to the game plan, not waver, not break down, and just keep plugging away to get the result.”
White’s goal that came just 22 seconds into the contest ended Gotham’s 308-minute shutout streak (correction from 358 previously stated by Opta), which began in the 54th minute of a 2-2 road draw against Portland on July 24.
Midge Purce would equalize for Gotham in the 13th minute through a set-piece opportunity to even the contest at 1-1.
A contentious moment occurred in the 33rd minute when Current defender Elizabeth Ball appeared to shove down Gotham forward Jordynn Dudley.
Ball was initially shown a red card, though it was downgraded to a yellow after VAR review.
The Professional Referee Organization explained the decision:
“The red card issued to Kansas City defender Elizabeth Ball has been rescinded because the force used to push the opponent was not with excessive force or brutality. The push was judged to be reckless in nature and a yellow card was shown. No further disciplinary action was taken against any other players involved in the mass confrontation, as none of their actions rose to the level of misconduct.”
Chemistry Between Sam Kerr and Jaedyn Shaw Continues To Grow
Sam Kerr would pull Gotham ahead in the 41st minute after Jaedyn Shaw breezed past multiple defenders and fed Kerr, who finished with a first-time shot.
“Of course, it’s always great to have a world-class player on your team,” Shaw stated. “I think it’s been really fun to just build chemistry with her, and I feel like she’s just always in the right spot so I don’t even have to look most times.
“I feel like the chemistry is just growing between really all of us, and especially me and her as well, this game. I think we’re just going to continue to build off of it and just go over things with each other and keep, yeah, growing in that aspect.”
Jaelin Howell thought she had scored her first goal of the season, but it was ruled offside after VAR review.
The Professional Referee Organization explained the decision:
“Gotham attacker Sam Kerr was in an offside position when the shot was taken. Her positioning interfered with the goalkeeper’s ability to see and play the ball. As a result, the goal was disallowed for offside, specifically by interfering with an opponent.”
Gotham FC will next travel to Los Angeles to face Angel City FC on August 23.
More Gotham FC Coverage
Enjoyed this story? Follow us for the latest updates! | Bluesky | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Leave a Reply