Gotham FC extended its win streak to three games after a 1-0 victory against Racing Louisville on Sunday evening. Despite the one-goal score line, the game really wasn’t close — the Bats held the ball 62.3% of the time, and Louisville only mustered one shot on goal.
Midfielder Jaedyn Shaw scored her second goal of the season in the 16th minute, after being set up nicely by rookie Jordynn Dudley. During this three-game win streak, Gotham’s been able to strike early and settle into the game with the lead.
Despite injuries, defense shines
Gotham FC has been without defenders Emily Sonnett, Bruninha, and Mandy Freeman since the international break, and Lilly Reale and Tierna Davidson have both been limited. But it hasn’t mattered on the stat sheet: the Bats have posted three clean sheets in as many matches while outshooting their opponents 58-16.
“People are playing positions they’ve never played in their entire life, so it’s a credit to them,” said Jess Carter, Gotham FC defender. “Our attention to detail defensively and willingness to defend, for everybody to get back in and put challenges in, that’s what’s been winning us games.”
Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger just needed one save for the clean sheet on Sunday, but has been great to start the season. Berger set an NWSL record for shutouts to start the season with six in eight games.
Because of the injuries, some Gotham FC players have had to play farther back than they’re used to, like Midge Purce and newcomer Guro Reiten.
“I think we have a great roster to be able to do that and fill spots and have each other’s backs,” said Gotham FC midfielder Jaelin Howell. I think our culture is amazing, and I think that’s how we stay together through the tough times and through injury.”
Jordynn Dudley looks like a Rookie of the Year candidate
Dudley, the rookie from Florida State, has started each game since the international break and recorded a goal contribution in each game. She has set up Rose Lavelle and Shaw perfectly for goals, and scored her first in the NWSL earlier this week against Chicago.
“Everyone knew she could make a difference, but her commitment to defend, press, and counter-press is part of the DNA of Gotham,” said Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós. “She’s so generous and humble. The way she plays, she really plays for the team.”
Dudley was described as “quiet” yet “feisty” by Carter. The rookie has proven to have a positive impact on Gotham’s offense with her ability to push the ball and beat defenders. On Sunday, Dudley was the only forward to play the full 90 and was able to keep possession to fend off some late activity from Racing Louisville.
“I think we did really good keeping up the consistency,” Dudley said. “I think we could have had more, but we created some good chances with what we were given.”
The offense is on the right track
Gotham FC went into the international break with only two goals through five games to open the season. Since then, the team has scored six goals in three games. The team has jumped in the NWSL standings due to the offensive streak, now sitting in fourth place with 14 points.
Amorós said postgame that the technical staff has been doing a lot of work with the players to create connections on the pitch, allowing the players to play more freely.
“With more time playing together, the chemistry is building, and that consistency is helping them
take the next step,” he said. “We were already creating chances, but now we’re finishing them, and that’s key.”
Gotham FC will look to continue its momentum Saturday evening at home against expansion side Boston Legacy. Earlier this season, the Bats bested Boston, 1-0, in the season opener.
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