Gary Gibson
10/16/23
For the 2nd time in 3 seasons, NJ/NY Gotham FC has made the postseason!
Gotham completes one of the greatest turnarounds in league history. From last place in 2022 to never falling below 7th place in 2023 on their way to clinching the playoffs for 4th time in club history.
Both teams were evenly matched throughout the match, and KC proved why their record doesn’t reflect their talent level. Gotham had the better of the chances early in the first half, but Kansas City adjusted and came back with a wonder strike and an unfortunate own goal to close the half even.
Gotham remained the better team throughout the second half but in a showcase of what has plagued this team all season. Williams hit the post. Sheehan hits the crossbar. Franch comes up with multiple world class saves to keep Gotham fans on the frustrated edge of their seats. Gotham needed to wait for multiple games to finish before they could celebrate. But the moment finally came! Gotham returns to the playoffs!
Heroes the City Deserved!
Just like the fictional city of Gotham, this team needed heroes on the night. Here are the three heroes that showed up.
Ali Krieger: The symbol of the season is Ali sitting on the turf, reflecting for a moment after making a last ditch sliding goal clearance after a chaotic turnover right in front of the net.
Last night was a showcase of why she’s been so good for so long. Another symbolic moment was the 39 year old getting isolated at the touchline by future superstar rookie attacker Michelle Cooper. A couple of faints that Ali has seen a million times in her career, leads to a goal kick after Ali doesn’t bite and blocks the cross back into the attacker. She’s still got it.
Yazmeen Ryan: Everything we all knew Ryan was capable of was on display on that goal. The speed, vision, skill and precision of a goal certainly up for best of the season. Ryan is a gamer. Despite being very young, Yazmeen has won trophies at every level and we all see why. She plays big in big moments.
Kristen Edmonds: What a performance from the New Jersey soccer legend! Kristen was fantastic on both sides of the ball. Assisting on the goal to Yazmeen Ryan and putting in stop after stop on the defensive side of the game. Created 2 chances, put in 15 recoveries and won 5 ground duels. KC had both Debinha and Cooper rolled to her side. She stood tall. The most involved player on the pitch for Gotham with 90 touches. The closest was Nighswonger with 70.
Next up is a familiar foe. The North Carolina Courage. Let's see what heroes show up for this one.