April 21, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release
NJ/NY Gotham FC in the huddle
(NJ/NY Gotham FC)
HARRISON, N.J. – NJ/NY Gotham FC is gearing up for the club’s fourth match of the 2023 NWSL regular season, as they host the North Carolina Courage on Saturday, April 22 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. (7:30 p.m. ET, Paramount+ / MSG).
Last Saturday, Gotham FC earned a 2-0 road victory over the Orlando Pride in a regular season match at Exploria Stadium. After a scoreless first half, Gotham FC was awarded a penalty kick 10 minutes into stoppage time and forward Midge Purce scored what became the latest goal in NWSL history. Gotham FC added a second goal seven minutes later, when forward Lynn Williams overtook that brand-new record to seal the win.
In addition, Gotham FC is coming off a 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit in the opening match of the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup. Returning to regular season action this weekend, Gotham FC is looking to carry the momentum into Saturday with a strong performance for their home fans.
Gotham FC Storylines
Williams Record Watch: 59 Goals
Williams’ goal on April 15 against Orlando Pride was the 59th goal of her NWSL career. That tally ties her with Christine Sinclair for second-most goals in NWSL history.
Williams has also scored three goals in four matches so far this season across all NWSL competitions. She is also the first player to have goals assisted by both Sam and Kristie Mewis in NWSL play.
Better Late Than Never
Both of the goals scored by Gotham FC on April 15 against Orlando Pride set NWSL records. First, Purce’s goal in the 90+10 minute (99:53) set the record for the latest NWSL regular season goal to ever be scored, but it was later broken by Williams in the 90+17 minute (106:45) of the match.
Williams also holds the record for latest goal in an NWSL playoff game after she scored in the 124th minute for Western New York Flash against Washington Spirit in the 2016 NWSL Final.
“I think that shows the drive of this team,” said Williams. “Even Midge (Purce) getting the latest goal shows that we’re not going to just go for a tie. We’re not going to give up on it if we’re down. We’re just going to continue to play. I think then going again is just like a dagger.”
On the contrary, Gotham FC also holds the record for fastest goal scored in the NWSL when Raquel Rodríguez scored for Sky Blue FC just 24 seconds into the match on June 17, 2017.
Game-Winning Record
Purce’s goal also…