March 2, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release
NJ/NY Gotham FC hits the pitch
(NJ/NY Gotham FC)
Bradenton, FL – As Gotham FC completes their final week of preseason training camp at IMG Academy, they hosted their third preseason scrimmage with a closed-door friendly match today against The Chicago Red Stars. The clubs played three 45-minute periods, with Gotham FC scoring once and Chicago Red Stars scoring three times.
After returning from victorious USWNT national team duty, Midge Purce scored the first goal of the match in the 45th minute, assisted by Bruninha, who has also returned from national team duty with Brazil.
Starters: Abby Smith, Kristen Edmonds, Ellie Jean, Nealy Martin, Ali Krieger, Bruninha, Yazmeen Ryan, Sinead Farrelly, Jenna Nighswonger, Lynn Williams, and Midge Purce.
Substitutes: Mandy Haught, Allie Long, Taylor Smith, Victoria Pickett, Svava Rós Gudmundsdóttir, Mandy Freeman, McCall Zerboni Sabrina Flores, Ifeoma Onumonu, Michelle Betos, Nahomi Kawasumi, Ashlyn Puerta, Delanie Sheehan, Iliana Hocking.
Quotes from Gotham FC Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós
“I was pleased about the players implementing the style. I think we played very well, and it was a very good game.”
Why 3 periods today?
“It was because we want everyone to get more fit and that way everyone can get more playing time. We’re at a point of preseason where we have to get to marks in terms of getting players up to 70-75 minutes. Doing three 45-minute periods makes it better for the players, not only on the football side, but also on the physical side.”
Going back to NJ
“Here we have started getting to know each other very well. It was very important to have this time because I always say we are people before we are professionals. Spending this time together has made the group stronger by sharing a common purpose in making something special here at Gotham. On the football side, we have started putting together the base of who we want to be with our football style. And now, going back home is the start of more competition, and we are so ready to get to the first game of the season in the best shape possible. This is the moment to step it up and get to the next stage.”
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