Sunday’s match between Gotham FC and Angel City FC had a genuine playoff feel as Sports Illustrated Stadium rocked after Jaedyn Shaw’s 66th-minute goal.
But Gotham was unable to secure three points as a 91st-minute goal by Taylor Suarez earned Angel City FC a draw.
Had Gotham earned a victory, it would have kept the first-place Bats six points ahead of chasing San Diego Wave FC. After Sunday’s draw, the NWSL’s top two clubs are separated by just four points with three matches remaining.
Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós is taking a “glass-half-full” outlook ahead of the final trio of matches before the NWSL playoffs begin.
“Obviously, the part that we were not happy with, to concede that chance, concede that goal,” Amorós said. “But at the same time, it’s one point that secures a play-off home advantage.
“It’s a point that separates us. We woke up today three points away from San Diego, now we are four points away from San Diego, so we always look at the glass-half-full. It’s another game that obviously against a great team, that we don’t lose, we add points to the board.”
In-Form Shaw Scores 10th NWSL Goal of the Season
Shaw scored her 10th goal of the season with Rose Lavelle providing the primary assist. The 21-year-old moves into third place in Gotham history for goals scored in a single regular season.
“I mean, they have such a good connection in the final third, and independently they’re so elite in the final third, so it’s just amazing to see them connect on this level,” forward Midge Purce said in the mixed zone after the match.
Purce had played a defense-splitting pass through to Lavelle to record the secondary assist.
Lavelle made her 50th regular-season start for Gotham and her 100th career NWSL regular-season start.
Denise O’Sullivan: ‘It Was a Very Mature Performance’
Midfielder Denise O’Sullivan said she was proud of the performance against a surging Angel City FC team that is now undefeated in seven matches, winning five over that span.
“I think it was a great performance from the team,” O’Sullivan said after Sunday’s draw. “I think it was a very mature performance, a very professional performance. We thought we were good on the ball. We controlled possession really well.
“We’re really disappointed to concede in the last few minutes, but we’re still top right now so we gotta, you know, reset, go into international break, come back together and get going again. So, I’m proud of the team.”
O’Sullivan made her 200th start in NWSL competitions and became the 19th player to reach that milestone.
Gotham FC will return from the international break on Saturday, October 17 against the rival Washington Spirit at Audi Field.
If you enjoyed this story, please consider supporting independent, local soccer journalism by buying me a coffee.
Contributions made through Buy Me a Coffee help support the time, travel and resources that go into bringing you on-the-ground coverage, reporting and original stories — without paywalls.
More Gotham FC Coverage
Enjoyed this story? Follow us for the latest updates! | Bluesky | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Leave a Reply