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Gotham FC snap KC Current winning streak in home opener

Featured, NJ/NY Gotham FC, Professional, Soccer

April 16, 2024

Gotham FC became the team to break the KC Current's winning streak with a draw on Sunday night at Red Bull Arena.

The first half was about the battle in the midfield. Gotham had a slight edge in possession, but the midfield battle was lost. In the 17th minute, Temwa Chawinga scored from an excellent through ball. The first twenty minutes of the match proved difficult for Gotham to defend Chawinga, but they kept her at bay after the goal.

Gotham, however, did not record a shot on target until the 41st minute. KC was also very compact on defense, not allowing much space for Gotham to create. Some missed placed passes also led to turnovers throughout the first half. Despite this, Gotham was able to make it into their attacking half, but they could not create any real chance on goal.

The second half was a complete turnaround from the Bats. Coach Juan Carlos Amoros made two substitutes for the second half; Crystal Dunn and Jenna Nighswonger came in for Sam Hiatt and Delanie Sheehan. It may have been the subs or just the talk that Amoros gave at halftime that sparked something in Gotham, but a completely different team came out. Once the half started, they took control of the game. Dunn made an instant impact, recording a shot on goal four minutes after the restart. Gotham put two shots on target in the first five minutes of the half, testing Current goalkeeper AD Franch.

The Bats would take less than ten minutes to tie the game at one in the second half. The goal came in the 51st minute from a corner kick, with Esther Gonzalez rising to head the ball into the back of the net. The entire second half saw Gotham able to keep the Current at bay, with the Current making it into their attacking third on very few occasions and not doing much to test Gotham keeper Cassie Miller.

The game would end in a 1-1 draw, but Gotham have a lot of positives to take away from the match, especially in the attacking third. They were picking the right passes and timing their through balls well. Esther contributed to the build-up of many plays, playing quickly and making good decisions. Yazmeen Ryan, arguably the Player of the Match, was also involved in the attack. She was a constant threat on the wings, making runs and looking to play her teammates in the eighteen. Lynn Williams made her season debut coming off an injury. Williams did show a bit of rust but contributed to her team when needed. If Gotham can keep up the attacking intensity, very few teams will compete with this team.

Gotham must take the positives from the match against the Current and continue to build on a great second half. On Saturday, Gotham plays their next match away against the Washington Spirit, who have won their last three games.