September 22, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release
HARRISON, NJ – NJ/NY Gotham FC gets its third straight NWSL regular season win, defeating the Utah Royals 1-0. With the victory, Gotham FC also secured a spot in the 2024 NWSL Playoffs.
It took just three minutes for Gotham FC to get on the board first. Forward Lynn Williams delivered a precise pass across the box to midfielder Yazmeen Ryan, who took one touch before firing it into the net for the opening goal. Ryan scored the fastest goal for the club this season.
Gotham FC almost doubled its lead in the 32nd minute. Williams set herself up at the top of the box and shot a curling ball that nearly snuck in the goal, but Royals keeper Mandy Haught made the leaping tip to keep the score 1-0.
In the first half, Gotham FC showed offensive dominance. The club paced Utah in shots (10-6), shots on goal (7-2), possession (60%-40%), and total passes (283-190).
On the defensive end, Gotham FC also shined. Utah had a chance to level the score in the 71st minute, but a strong play from defender Tierna Davidson blocked the path of a clear shot to keep the lead in Gotham FC’s favor.
Neither team secured a goal in the second half, leaving the score with a 1-0 Gotham FC victory. The team also secured its 8th clean sheet of the season, which ranks second behind only the Orlando Pride.
Gotham FC will travel to Kansas City Saturday, Sept 28 to face the Current at 1:00 p.m. EST. Fans can catch the game on CBS and Paramount+.
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KEY NOTES
Gotham FC clinches a playoff spot for the fourth time, joining the 2013, 2021 and 2023 teams. It’s the first time GFC has made the playoffs in consecutive seasons. The club is in third place and currently in position to host a playoff match for the first time in club history, which would be earned with a top-4 finish.
Gotham FC is now 13-0-2 when scoring first this year, 9-1 in games decided by one goal and undefeated in its last 23 games when they’ve led at the half (20-0-3 during the streak and 10-0-1 this year).
Gotham FC has shut out 15 of 21 opponents in the first half this season.
Lynn Williams made her first NWSL start since May 19 and picked up her 30th regular season assist on Ryan’s goal. She is the third player in league history to reach 30 and is one behind the league record of 31 shared by Sofia Huerta and Jess McDonald. The assist was also her 36th in all NWSL competitions, second-best behind McDonald’s 38. She also…