April 23, 2023 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release
Gotham FC celebrates win
(NJ/NY Gotham FC)
Harrison, N.J. – After a two-hour weather delay followed a scoreless first half, Gotham FC secured a 1-0 win over the North Carolina Courage on Saturday, when Lynn Williams scored in the 80th minute. The victory improved Gotham FC’s regular season record to 3-0-1 and was the club’s third straight win and clean sheet over eight days across all competitions. Williams now has four goals on the season and 60 career NWSL goals, which ties with Portland Thorns forward Christine Sinclair for second-most in NWSL history.
“I was really happy to give all of our fans the win at home,” said Gotham FC Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós. “I feel like all of the hard work we are doing is paying off.”
An extended lightning delay postponed the second half by more than two hours, leaving supporters and players sheltering in place at Red Bull Arena. When Gotham FC players returned to the field, they applauded as a thank you to the many supporters who during the delay.
Despite a persistent rain for most of the second half, Gotham FC came out strong with a series of scoring chances. In the 80th minute, Williams scored off a pass from Yazmeen Ryan, putting the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.
“I’m so happy to get on the board in some way,” said Ryan. “I got it over to Lynn, and then Lynn did her thing.”
It was Gotham FC’s third clean sheet in a row, including the UKG Challenge Cup match played last Wednesday night. Goalkeeper Abby Smith had a huge double save in the 58th minute, keeping the ball out of the net despite slippery conditions.
“You just have to really keep your eye on the ball,” Smith said of playing in the rain. “I just had to make it work. This was a team effort. We stayed focused from minute one to minute 97. We came out after the delay and knew it was really important and keep our focus – especially as part of a three-game week. We did everything we needed to do in the second half. This is where our standards are now.”
With her game-winning assist and complete play, Ryan was named Player of the Match.
“The fans really helped our energy in the second half,” said Ryan. “For all of them to stick around so late into the night during the delay, it shows the dedication our fans have for us. It was really special.”
Gotham FC Starting Lineup:
Abby Smith, Kelley O’Hara, Ellie Jean, Kristen Edmonds, Ali Krieger, Allie Long, McCall…