Since arriving on the scene, Gotham FC forward Jordynn Dudley has impressed time and time again as she adds to her compelling case for NWSL Rookie of the Year.
It’s reached the point where teammates aren’t shocked by Dudley’s ability to change matches with her electric pace, quick turns and high-effort defensive work rate.
Dudley starred in Friday’s 2-0 NWSL Challenge Cup victory over the Kansas City Current. The 21-year-old scored Gotham’s second goal of the match by weaving past Kansas City defender Kayla Sharples and slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
Tierna Davidson Praises Dudley’s Impact and Work Rate
“I feel like I’ve said this in multiple post-match press conferences – the things that we see Jordynn do on the field are not surprising to us because she’s doing them day in and day out in training,” captain Tierna Davidson explained. “We know exactly what she brings, and it’s a super high-quality level of soccer, but it’s also grit and tenacity.
“Winning that ball back herself and driving forward and making something out of nothing came at a really critical point in the game and gave us some assurance. It’s something we’re not surprised by, but it’s always very impressive. As a back line, it’s really nice to close out a 2-0 game against a team like that.”
Juan Carlos Amorós Highlights Dudley’s All-Around Game
Head coach Juan Carlos Amorós has praised Dudley as the complete package throughout her impressive debut campaign. The 5-foot-11 forward excelled in the big match atmosphere on Friday against a formidable Kansas City side that won last season’s NWSL Shield.
“Everyone knows that Jordynn is really good and deadly in 1-v-1 situations and is effective on the offensive side of the game,” Amorós explained. “But at the same time, it’s the other side of the game. That grit, that decision to defend. The number of times she works back and presses. I think she put four or five tackles down the line to stop Kansas City’s progression.
“She’s such a winner and has the mentality of someone who has played a lot more than 10 or 12 professional games. She does that from a humble position, always putting the team first. She produces on both sides of the ball and is always looking for ways to help the team, not herself.
“We’re really privileged to work with her. She’s a fantastic human being who is always trying to help the people around her. We’re super happy with her, and obviously, the fact that she was able to kill the game in that final was tremendously important for us.”
After taking home April’s NWSL Rookie of the Month Award, it’s likely that Dudley will continue adding more honors, given her importance to Gotham and how advanced she is in all phases of the game. She’s proven that she is a staying power in this league.
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