Gary Gibson
Gotham FC (11th 4-0-8) travel to Seattle to face an OL Reign (6th 5-6-4) team that is always a top contender.
Gotham FC just parted ways with head coach Scott Parkinson after a highly disappointing run of form that stretched back to the Challenge cup. Former Jamaican women's national team coach Hue Menzies will serve as interim coach. Gotham begins a 7 day, 3 game stretch away from Red Bull Arena starting with a trip to Lumen Field.
Historically, OL Reign have the edge in these matchups (7-6-5) overall. These two teams played 3 times last season (1-1-1). The last of which Gotham got off the board early with 2 goals from striker Onumonu (9th,15th). But withered down the stretch and giving up 3 goals to finish out the match. Topped off by a 90th minute penalty from Rapinoe.
Both teams only have a single win in their last 5. But, Seattle picked up 2 draws during this stretch.
Reasons to be optimistic:
Sometimes, coaching changes lead to renewed energy and sense of togetherness. Expect Gotham to return to their possession heavy style and play keep away from OL's formidable attack. The potential return of striker Onumonu, who nearly won the golden boot race in 2021, should be ready to go following leading her Nigeria team to world cup qualification. Ifeoma has scored in 3 games against her former club.
Reasons to be pessimistic:
Gotham hasn't kept a clean sheet in 7 matches. Gotham has had trouble dealing with crosses and set pieces which OL leads the league in accurate crosses. OL has also kept the most clean sheets in the league versus Gotham who has the least goals scored.
Final Verdict: Unknown.
The coaching change from Gotham can either light a spark under this team or it can continue to confound them in trying to find an identity. We are all just going to have to wait and see.
What the fans want to see as a marker of improvement for this game: