April 2, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release
HARRISON, NJ – In a tightly-contested match, OL Reign defeated Gotham FC, 2-0, tonight before a loud and passionate crowd at Gotham FC’s Home Opener at Red Bull Arena.
In an action-packed first half, each team had five shots. Gotham FC created many scoring chances, including a pair at 11th and 45th minutes on plays from Midge Purce to Kristie Mewis.
In the 31st minute, Rose Lavelle sent a through ball into Jess Fishlock, who found the bottom right corner to open the scoring. Bethany Balcer made it 2-0 in the 62nd minute, scoring off a scramble for the loose ball after an OL Reign corner kick. Gotham continued to push during the second half, creating a few great chances in the final minutes, but was unable to convert.
“What I would like to highlight is how the team kept fighting and kept going forward until the final whistle,” said Gotham FC Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós.
Added midfielder Yazmeen Ryan, “This is a huge lesson for us, and better to have it now than later in the season. I know that moving forward we’re going to learn from this.”
The game was delayed by approximately 90 minutes by lightning strikes in the area. Despite having to shelter on the concourse for the long delay, Gotham FC fans showed their fierce dedication to their club and were loud from beginning to end.
“I really want to thank everyone because after such a long delay, when we came on the pitch, all the fans were there and were really engaged,” said Amorós. “I haven’t experienced something like that before.”
Notes
Sinead Farrelly Makes Gotham FC Debut: Gotham FC utilized five substitutions. At the start of the second half, Jenna Nighswonger subbed in for Svava Rós Guðmundsdóttir. In the 58th minute, McCall Zerboni subbed in for Kelley O’Hara, and Victoria Pickett came in for Mandy Freeman. O’Hara, wearing the captain’s armband with Ali Krieger sidelined with an injury, gave the armband to Allie Long. In the 69th minute, Sinead Farrelly made her Gotham FC debut, subbing in for Yazmeen Ryan, and Taylor Smith entered the game for Bruninha.
Torch Lighting Tradition Begins: Gotham FC owners Eli Manning and Carli Lloyd ignited a new pre-match tradition at tonight’s Home Opener. Joined by members of Gotham FC’s official supporters group, Cloud 9, Manning and Lloyd led a Torch Lighting ceremony celebrating the deep connection between the team, fans, and New Jersey-New York Community. The Torch…