Gary Gibson
Producer
07/05/2024
When it comes to the performance this year of teams that dominated the conversation last season, Gotham FC has been one of the most consistent.
Despite losing Midge Purce to a season-ending injury early on, Gotham FC has remained a force to be reckoned with. A key factor in their success has been the ascension of Ella Stevens in the absence of United Star players Esther and Williams, her scoring prowess continues to shine.
Not to mention, the addition of Tierna Davidson, Rose Lavelle, and Emily Sonnett has bolstered their defense and midfield, making them a strong contender for the championship.
Here is a statistical look at Gotham through the mid point of the 2024 season.
Best start in franchise history. 2 wins away from the season total best. 3 points from matching last season's championship run point total.
Last season Lynn Williams led the team in goals with 8.
This season the aforementioned Ella Stevens is leading the way with 5 goals. But Rose Lavelle is catching up fast with 4 goals and 3 in last 5 games. There is still plenty of time to go and we'll see if either Stevens or Lavelle can be the first player to lead a Lynn Williams team in goals not named Lynn Williams.
After a slow start where it seemed Gotham couldn't buy a goal despite their attacking depth, they have closed their way up to 8th in goals per game thanks in part to a 5 game run of scoring 2 goals per contest. Yet to score 3 goals in a contest this season. We're still waiting for the breakout game we know they are capable of.
Gotham's offense is picking up as injured players are returning and the team is starting to gel. Top half of the league in accurate crosses, passing ,and long balls. 3rd in overall possession.
One major area of improvement that is needed is putting away chances. Early in the season Gotham was not only not scoring but failing to produce big chances. Things have picked up, and Gotham is creating chances but they aren't putting them away. Sitting 5th in Big chances missed. You can't miss chances of you don't create them. So there is that. But the squad has to be more clinical in front of net.
On the defensive side of the ball is where Gotham shines this season. The best defense is a high pressing offense that keeps the ball in the opponent's half the most. Gotham has been able to pin opponents in to tilt the field in their favor. Gotham is the lowest team by far with the least amount of clearances per match (14.3).
2nd in lowest goals conceded (.8) by .1 to the undefeated Orlando Pride. Part of that is the play of all 4 center backs (Davidson, Sonnett, Lopez, Hiatt). In any pairing they have been lock down. 4th in successful tackles per match (13.6). In this system they defend from the front and as a unit where it's normal to see forwards near double digits in tackles, duels, and recoveries.
Gotham isn't afraid to be physical and take tactical fouls to stop opponents momentum. Leaving the league in fouls per match (12.1) and 2nd in yellow cards (28). Being that Gotham hasn't had a yellow card suspension yet means cards are being spread around throughout the roster.
Lastly, the success of this team starts from the back with successful goal keeping. Both Cassie Miller and Ann-Katrin Berger have been solid. Boasting some of the lowest goals against in the league. Neither keeper has had an error leading to a goal and their decision making have been excellent. Both great shot stoppers. Ann has been spectacular. She is sitting at 13th in fotmob ranking for all players (7.44). The next highest rated keeper is 69th.
If Gotham FC can continue to build on their defensive strength and offensive momentum, they have a strong chance of making the playoffs and contending for trophies. This could be a banner season for the team.
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