Gary Gibson
Soccerovergotham@gmail.com
Gotham FC travels to Wake Med Park, NC for their last road game of the season. Gotham is securely in last place and has the first pick in the upcoming 2023 College Draft. North Carolina has everything to play for as playoffs are on the line for this team. With Gotham, a chance to play spoiler, end the season on the right foot and break the record streak of losses that have plagued this team. Here are some notes for this one.
Game time is 7pm. The game will be shown on Paramount plus and Twitch internationally.
Injury Report:
Allie Long (maternity) , Domi Richardson (right knee, Season ending) and Ashlyn Harris (right knee)
Referee:
Referee for this match is Karen Callado. Callado is a very experienced ref who has a couple distinctions. She is the ref who handed Megan Rapinoe her first red card of her career this season. Callado has been on the end of a couple controversial calls. This will be her 5th NWSL match called this season.
A start for Hancuff?
Two weeks ago, Hue Menzies mentioned that the team was going to look to get the talented back up keeper some minutes in the off season. However, Menzies was asked again last week about Hensley getting a start and he didn't brush off the idea. With two games remaining, an away game against an over matched opponent based on form. Why not give the young keeper some minutes. Hensley Hancuff has an incredibly high ceiling and we've reached that talent evaluating part of the season. No better time to see what you are working with in a game she will surely be tested.
Is tonight the night?
Last time out, it was hard to argue that the Courage were the better team on the night. Gotham held the top scoring team to 4 shots on target and only a deflection goal made it's way past Betos. Rowland, the Courage keeper made at least 2 save of the week saves. Gotham had plenty of point blank chances. Midge Purce is finally healthy. This may be the night that Gotham gets some balls in the back of the net against a suspect Courage defense.
Matchup of the night:
Gotham Right back against Carson Pickett. There is no confusion to what the Courage want to do. Everything goes through Pickett. Press, get turnovers, Pickett sends in cross. Rinse, repeat. Last time out Pickett had an unreal 94 touches for an outside back. Despite being pretty thoroughly marked, she still created 5 chances. Smith or Jean will have their hands full again. It is true that last time out the Courage were missing Brazilians Debinha and Kerolin, but I do not expect Carson's role to change as the main outlet.
Listen to our latest podcast: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/SO1QP94uAtb