Gotham Survives Houston

Gotham entered today’s match in need of a win to get back atop the league and right the ship after a loss to San Deigo Wave at home in front of the team’s largest attendance (15,058) to date. The match was all set up to see Gotham take hold of first place in the league, but Alex Morgan’s teammates had other plans. Makenzy Doniak ran onto a beautiful but stoppable 45-yard through ball from Jaedyn Shaw. The two substitutions for the Wave wasted little time punishing the high-pressing Gotham side.

While Juan did make adjustments, unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to even earn a tie. Gotham’s biggest issue this season has been stopping dynamic players and scoring coming from players not named Lynn Williams. Lynn has 5 goals on the season the next player with multiple goals is Bruninha with 2 goals, who is tied with Jenna Nighswonger and Injured Midge Purce. The only other player who has scored is Taylor Smith with 1 goal and also out injured right now for Gotham.

Houston comes into the match on a two-game winning streak. They took care of KC and Orlando winning each game 2 – 0.

“I want to thank the fans and the Houston organization for the warm welcome back, it was great to see from everyone, the fans, coaches, and players.”

Juan Carlos Amorós Gotham FC Head Coach

The first half saw an action-packed 30′, both teams went after each other often but neither side could find that final touch for a goal. We saw posts and crossbars hit plenty, balls just skimming the outside of the post, shots players would want back, and of course big saves.

The sides would take a hydration break at the 31′ due to the 100% humidity mixed with 93-degree weather in Houston. Play would restart in the 34′ but unfortunately for Gotham, the break wasn’t enough for Ali Kreiger who subbed herself out in the 35′ due to cramping or injury.

Ellie Jean would take her place and Houston understood the assignment going right at her immediately. Michelle Alozie would explode down the right flank and head towards goal, Ordóñez would make a faint run at Jean going toward the first post, she would back off and Jean who committed would not see Maria Sánchez who exploited the space now created and beat Abby Smith inside the post from Alozie’s cross.

Houston nearly scored again in the 42′ but Alozie shot the ball wide missing the goal which is a rarity for her from the close-range distance. It was a miss that would haunt Houston later in the match, the first half would settle down some and the fourth showed a minimum of 7′ and the half would see 10′ due to injuries and fouls.

“We battled hard all game; I love the effort and drive of the team. They didn’t stop competing despite the adversities we faced. We still left taking a point and I’m happy with that. — HC Gotham FC Juan Carlos Amorós

The second half was a battle from both sides and both keepers stood tall, in the 50′ Lynn Williams would hit the post narrowly missing the tying goal and a shot she will want back. Kristie Mewis would draw a penalty kick shortly after, Lynn Williams would step up to take the kick, and in typical “Bats” fashion she converted and gave Gotham new life in a game they could be losing by 3 or 4 goals.

With the score tied at 1 – 1 in the 53′, we would see the game open up as both teams wanted the full 3 points to themselves, they had no desire to split a point a piece. The 55′ saw Williams and Alozie called for offside much to the relief of the opposing coaches and teams. In the 60′ Abby Smith would make the game’s biggest save when she stopped Alozie 1 v 1 going right to left inside the box. Alozie tried to sneak the ball past Smith going for the 1st post.

Just a minute later Alozie thought she got her revenge, but VAR took the goal away due to offside. The call was highly controversial and due to the VAR rules for NWSL, we never saw what they determined the offside to be. Both teams would battle hard till the whistle blew in the 90’+13′.

The match would end in a 1 – 1 tie despite the numerous chances by Houston. Houston gave it their all to try and leave with a win today, however, Gotham would bend but not break and secure the draw.

The loss of Taylor Smith has been huge for Gotham in these last two matches. Her versatility and skill were glaringly missing from the usual threatening attack and defending of Gotham that fans have grown accustomed to this season. With the World Cup break closing in and Gotham having numerous national players these last few games will be huge for the side.