Before Saturday’s meeting with San Diego Wave FC, it was clear that Gotham FC would face a tremendous challenge on the road against the current NWSL leaders.

The Bats visited Snapdragon Stadium and weren’t close to their A-level in a disappointing 2-0 defeat.

Gotham FC Struggles to Find Rhythm Against San Diego

Veteran defender Mandy Freeman described Gotham’s performance as full of “mistakes” and “disconnected.”

“I think we really need to look at how we want to play with the ball and possession,” Freeman explained during Saturday’s post-match availability.

“I feel like tonight, especially, we’re making a lot of mistakes, really disconnected. So moving forward for the second half of the season, we really want to work on fine-tuning those connections, especially in the final third, so that we can get good chances with the opportunities that we create.”

Melanie Barcenas gave San Diego a 1-0 lead moments before halftime by hitting a superb curling strike past Ann-Katrin Berger. Trinity Byars ended any chance of Gotham leaving San Diego with a draw by doubling the Wave’s lead in the 93rd minute on an open goal. 

Across 90 minutes, Gotham owned enough possession at 52 percent, but there wasn’t enough purpose in their play, and they lacked finishing touch.

Juan Carlos Amorós: ‘Today We Lost a Battle, but We Are Ready for the War’

“It was a game of details,” head coach Juan Carlos Amorós said. “We started the game really well. We had the chance to go ahead. We don’t really take it, and they have a chance and maybe even the momentum a little bit. Then the game was pretty even.

“The second half, the team really pushed forward. The momentum was on our side with the chances and the opportunities. Fine margins, decisions, final third – we needed to do better.

“Today we lost a battle, but we are ready for the war,” Amorós confidently promised. “We are already thinking about how we can stick to our processes and look at Utah.”

Between now and next Friday’s visit to Utah, Gotham must rediscover their cutting edge.

More Gotham FC Coverage

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Yael Averbuch West Details ‘Crazy Vision’ Behind Sam Kerr’s Return to Gotham FC

Gotham FC’s Jordynn Dudley Strengthens Rookie of the Year Case in NWSL Challenge Cup Win

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