Gary Gibson
Producer
05/27/2024
Gotham FC's 2024 season has been a tale of two months. After a disappointing April that saw them winless through 3 games, the team has bounced back in a big way in May.
April Struggles
April was a tough month for Gotham FC. The team's struggles were compounded by a number of injuries to key players. Midge Purce who was slated to be the driver for much of the offense tore her ACL and the team rotated players to fill the void. During the teams 1-1 draw against KC on April 14th the team was missing from the starting 11 Davidson, Nighswonger, Williams, Lavelle, Abby Smith, O'Hara, Midge Purce and others. Gotham added a ton of national team players who played in international games instead of preseason and some came back injured. This caused slow integration into the system and caused setbacks, Gotham FC were unable to find a consistent winning formula. Gotham was also below the line for the first time since week 2 of last season.
April:
Games: 3 (2 at home)
Wins: 0
Draws: 2
Losses: 1
Shut outs: 0
Goals scored: 2
Goals against: 4
Big chances Created: 4
May Turnaround
May has been a much different story for Gotham FC. The team has gone undefeated through their 5 games in May, including a crucial comeback draw against the Wave. A team Gotham FC had up until that point never took a point from. The return of several key players from injury, the connections building, and the rise of several new players has been a major boost for the team.
Ella Stevens' Scoring Surge
One of the biggest factors in Gotham FC's May turnaround has been the red-hot form of forward Ella Stevens. Stevens has scored 4 goals in 3 matches to end May, including a game-winner against her former club in stoppage time. Her goal scoring prowess has been a major factor in the team's recent success. Ella Stevens' scoring surge fuels Gotham's May success. Her dominant play suggests a future national team call-up if she maintains this form. Beyond goals, she excels in pressing and combining, resembling a complete forward like Lynn Williams.
Ella now leads the team in goals with plenty of time to increase her lead with Esther and Williams away with their respective national teams.
The Best Left Side in the League
Gotham was also bolstered by returning players. Lynn Williams returns and shines: Lynn is a complete player on both sides of the ball, plus her return boosts teammate Nighswonger's playmaking. Her left side partner Jenna Nighswonger had a statistical brilliant month in May. In the 4 games Lynn played she was the highest rated player on the pitch on FOTMOB and the other game it was Jenna.
Ann-Katrin Berger is Still One of the Best
Gotham doesn't believe in the old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Gotham was one of the stingiest defenses in the league. Cassie Miller had been near the top of the league in goals against. No update has been given to last season’s original starter Abby Smith’s return from leg injury. If you get a chance to improve, you do it.
Gotham goes out and brings in German national team pool keeper Berger who brings another dimension to the team. Ann is comfortable with the ball at her feet. Adding another layer in the build out. She plays bigger than her 5’11 frame making the goal seem absolutely small to attackers.
Ann recorded 3 shutouts in 5 matches in May. The only goals given up in May were a corner where a ball came off of the back of a players head and a set piece scramble goal where she made the initial save.
May:
Games: 5 (2 at home)
Wins: 4
Draws: 1
Losses: 0
Shut outs: 3
Goals scored: 7
Goals against: 2
Big chances Created: 13
Hero of the month. Fans vote.
Fans choose Stevens as their player of the month of May!
Looking Ahead
With a winning record in May, Gotham FC has climbed back into playoff contention. The team will look to continue their winning ways as they head into the second half of the season.
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