On Friday, Gotham FC defender Tierna Davidson and goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger were each named to the NWSL Best XI for the Month of August.
Davidson and Berger have been vital to the first-place Bats boasting the league’s best defensive record of 14 goals conceded through 22 matches played.
During the month of August, Gotham recorded a league-best three shutouts. The Bats will look to extend their club-record 10-match unbeaten streak in Sunday’s road meeting against Denver Summit FC.
Gotham Captain Davidson Earns Another NWSL Best XI Honor
Davidson did not miss a minute of action in August, playing 450 minutes. The 27-year-old Gotham captain led all NWSL players with 513 touches, 451 passes and 421 completed passes during the month.
She was previously named to the NWSL Best XI of the Month in May.
Earlier this season, Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós described Davidson as one of the best technical defenders in the women’s game.
“Tierna’s such a special player that when she’s on the pitch, she’s probably one of the most technical players that play in the backline, probably in the world,” Amorós said in March. “On top of that, she’s left-footed, which is also even more rare. She’s a great leader on and off the pitch. She’s so calm on the ball, she’s just a different player for me.
“I would say – I don’t want to put pressure on her – but I think she’s probably the best left-footed center-back on the planet for the way I see the game.”
All-World Berger Continues To Shine Between the Posts
Berger started four times in August and allowed just two goals. The 35-year-old German international leads the NWSL with 10 shutouts and a 0.74 goals-against average this season.
In August, Berger recorded a league-best 0.50 goals-against average while keeping two clean sheets and making 12 saves across 360 minutes.
Michelle Betos: Berger’s Ability To Read the Game Sets Her Apart
Last month, Gotham FC assistant goalkeeper coach and team culture lead Michelle Betos explained to South Ward Central the qualities that set Berger apart from other top netminders.
“She’s a great shot stopper, she’s great on 1v1s, but I probably think the thing that makes her super special is her preventative nature,” Betos said. “She’s going to be high off her line, she’s going to see a through ball before it’s coming, and she’s going to be positioned well to come get it.
“So instead of having to see a one-on-one, she’s in the right position, and then she’s reading the ball, clearing it forward. It might not be something anyone thinks about, but maybe another goalkeeper doesn’t come, and then it’s a 1v1 situation, maybe a goal. Her preventative ability in crosses is elite.
“Her range is exceptional, but it’s mostly because she reads spaces and she reads the ball really well. Anne probably could be up for Save of the Week once a week or every other week, but I think it’s actually the stuff she does before a save that really, really makes her that top one percent in the world. Her ability to read the game is not like anyone I’ve truly encountered thus far.”
Gotham and the Summit will kick off at Centennial Stadium at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. The match will be carried nationally on CBS.
More Gotham FC Coverage
Enjoyed this story? Follow us for the latest updates! | Bluesky | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Leave a Reply