Gary Gibson
06/09/2024
Victory over Angel City
Gotham FC celebrated a hard-fought home victory over Angel City on Pride Celebration, edging them out 2-1 in a thrilling match.
Key Moments:
Gotham FC got on the board first in the 28th minute with a goal from Crystal Dunn.
Angel City answered back early in the second half with a goal by Clarisse Le Bihan.
Rose Lavelle delivered the game-winner for Gotham FC in the 62nd minute.
Unsung Heroes:
While Dunn and Lavelle rightfully earned recognition for their goals, several other players were crucial to Gotham FC's success:
Mandy Freeman: Mandy is a fan favorite player that is just stuck behind a legion of national team players who need minutes and can struggle to find minutes. In fact, Mandy as a natural center back was employed as a right back after starter Bruninha was just back from international duty, and rookie center back turned right back was out. Mandy did not look out of place and put in a solid defensive and offensive performance. Mandy looked more comfortable than she should have been floating into the midfield and working passing combinations to free up teammates. Mandy also put in some very well weighted crosses. There is more to Mandy’s game than we have seen. If Gotham isn’t the deepest team in the league she would surely get another start. Definitely a performance worthy of more minutes.
Delanie Sheehan: Delanie as always was everywhere on the pitch. A player that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet but as the only player that has started every game for Gotham this season, you can tell how important she is to the execution of the game plan. Delanie was a bit more aggressive than normal in this game. Taking some one time shots and attacking the center backs in transition that is not normally part of her game. Won all of her tackles, completed 80% of her passes, and created two chances.
Katie Stengel: Katie as a second half substitute was a force on the wing, helping control the tempo and win key tackles for Gotham FC. She tracked back, won possession, took on players, and got good service across. Look at this phenomenal stat line.
Team Effort
This was a complete team effort. Exactly what was needed with a large crowd on hand. Drama, stars showing out, and perfect weather. The stars shined but this was a true team effort that secured Gotham FC the victory. The entire team showed heart and determination on Pride Night, resulting in a well-deserved win.
Next up:
Another early one. A trip to Louisville to face perennial mid table team that is hard to beat in Racing Louisville FC. Gotham has only beaten Racing 1 time in 9 tries. 6 draws. Gotham is 7 unbeaten and are looking to be finding form and should take care of business on the road.
Saturday at 12pm On Espn+
Spot on to focus on the team's depth & unsung heroes. For Mandy to last nearly 90 minutes at right back in the heat against angel city's tricky wingers was remarkable, and a clear a testament to her work ethic. And Katie did so much defensive dirty work on the wing, which we definitely needed with Lynn Williams on the sideline. How many times did she advance the ball 50 or 60 yards all on her own to get the rest of the team a breather? I'd also give an honorable mention to McCall.