Gotham FC headed out west and earned a 2-0 victory over Seattle Reign FC on Friday to increase their undefeated streak to five games.
The Bats have now won four of their last five matches as attention turns to defending their Concacaf W Champions Cup title.
On Friday at Lumen Field, Gotham controlled possession at 57 percent and completed 448 passes compared to Seattle’s 297. From start to finish, Gotham looked composed, organized and in total control.
“We’re always looking for ways to push to the next level – I think we’re going in the right direction,” lead assistant coach Shaun Harris said during his post-match press conference.
“We’re happy with the way the team is going. We still think there’s another level. We still think there’s a few more goals in there we can really kill the games off. But as far as performance and what we’re setting out to do, I think the team is setting a new standard, and we’re trying to maintain that and build from there.”
Harris served as acting head coach in Seattle as head coach Juan Carlos Amorós remained behind with his family following the recent birth of his second child.
Jaedyn Shaw Continues Goal-Getting Ways
Jaedyn Shaw opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Jordynn Dudley weaved inside the box and found Savannah McCaskill, who didn’t fully connect with a first-time chance, and the ball fell to Shaw, who slotted the ball into the back of the net.
Once again, Dudley stood out with her pace, trickery and desire to win the ball back.
It was Shaw’s fourth goal of the NWSL season through seven matches played.
Captain Tierna Davidson Leads Gotham Attack From the Back
Captain Tierna Davidson increased the Bats’ lead to 2-0 in the 57th minute off a fancy corner kick routine. It was Davidson’s first regular-season goal for Gotham FC.
Davidson had the most touches of any player during the match and set the tempo from the back.
“Tierna is now starting to find her groove,” Harris said. “She’s an asset for us both on the ball and off the ball in the way that she can step in, read plays, really change the picture. She has the long pass in behind. She can connect short. She can also drive, and she causes a lot of problems for teams. It’s really difficult to defend against.
“We’re really happy with Tierna’s progress. Her getting a goal really cemented that. I’m really happy for her. She’s working really hard. The team’s working really hard. It’s a real asset to have her back in the team, leading the team.”
Ann-Katrin Berger Secures NWSL-Leading Seventh Shutout
Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger earned her league-leading seventh shutout of the season. Berger wasn’t troubled for most of the match, but she came out to challenge Brittany Ratcliffe late in the match in a 1v1 situation and outstretched her right arm to deny the Seattle forward.
Gotham FC Turns Focus Toward Concacaf W Champions Cup
Gotham won’t return home to Sports Illustrated Stadium until May 31, as their next two matches will come in the Concacaf W Champions Cup.
Star midfielder Rose Lavelle missed the Seattle trip due to a hamstring injury. It’s unclear whether Lavelle, right-back Bruninha (hamstring) and Mandy Freeman (lower leg) will be available for selection in Mexico.
The Bats will first face Club América Femenil in the semifinal round on May 20. Should Gotham advance to the final, the winner of Pachuca Femenil and the Washington Spirit will await them. Both the semifinal and final will take place at Pachuca’s Estadio Hidalgo.
Gotham won last year’s inaugural Concacaf W Champions Cup tournament by defeating Tigres UANL Femenil 1-0, with Esther González notching the match-winning goal.
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