Gotham FC rookie forward Jordynn Dudley is continuing to show every match why she’s the real deal.
The 5-foot-11 former Florida State standout delivered again for the Bats in Gotham’s 1-0 victory over Racing Louisville FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday.
Dudley doesn’t have the presence of a first-year player. She looks like she’s been there and done it all before.
“She’s been remarkable, and it’s been so fun to watch her come into her own confidence at the highest level,” forward Midge Purce said. “I’m so excited for her, and I think we still have yet to see the best from her.”
Her attacking threat pushed back Louisville’s defense in the 16th minute. Dudley drove into the box and provided Shaw with a simple tap-in.
Gotham went ahead 1-0 and proceeded to shut out Louisville to earn a third consecutive victory. It was Shaw’s second league goal through five NWSL matches played.
Lately, Dudley has been ever-present in Gotham’s goalscoring exploits. She has now recorded three goal contributions (one goal, two assists) in her last three NWSL appearances.
“I’m definitely a lot more comfortable,” Dudley said in the mixed zone following the match.
Dudley’s All-Around Game Troubling NWSL Defenses
Dudley has continually been a handful for opposing NWSL defenses. Her blistering pace, superb hold-up play, vision and goal-getting instincts cause all sorts of headaches for the opposition.
The 21-year-old is firmly placing herself as a genuine NWSL Rookie of the Year contender. It’s very possible that at season’s end, Gotham will possess a pair of back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners in Dudley and last year’s recipient, Lilly Reale.
“I said at the beginning of the year that for me she was one of the main contenders to have a great year, probably in the Rookie of the Year [conversation] because her ability is [without] any doubt,” Amorós stated. “Her ability and her ceiling is extremely high.”
Reale Edging Closer to Full Return
Speaking of Reale, the 22-year-old defender made a substitute appearance in the 63rd minute, replacing captain Tierna Davidson.
Reale, who usually plays left-back, took over from Davidson at center-back. The 2025 NWSL Rookie of the Year made her second appearance since she missed the April 25 match against Bay FC.
With two substitute appearances under her belt, it’s possible that Reale could return to the starting XI. South Ward Central asked Amorós about the possibility of Reale being ready to return to the starting lineup.
“She’s doing better,” Amorós said. “She picked up a little knock last week or two weeks ago. Lilly is a very important player for us. Luckily, we’ve got her back into this last couple of games to at least be there for half an hour and hopefully if all goes well she can be adding more and more minutes.”
We’ll soon learn if Reale will be given the green light to start in Gotham’s next match against Boston Legacy FC on May 9.
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