Gotham FC has reached the NWSL challenge cup final posting an undefeated 2-0-2 record. Following up two wins with two consecutive 0-0 draws.
Their opponent is Portland Thorns FC. Portland cruised to the challenge cup championship drawing once and winning 3 of 4.
Here are three things I'm focusing on for this cup final.
Battle of the midfields. This game will be won in the middle of the park. Horan, Dunn, and Rodriguez vs lloyd, Cudjo, and newly transferred uswnt veteran Long will be dueling all game.
Matchup of the all time greats. Sinclair is canada's most successful soccer player and has 14 Canadian soccer player of the year awards. Possessing an extremely high soccer iq Christine always seems to put herself in the right place and has a nose for goal. Gotham must continue their stout defensive efforts because any lapse and sinclair will pounce.
On the other side is Carli lloyd. Possibly the most competitive soccer player in women's soccer. Few players have the ability to take over a game like lloyd. You need only to see her hat trick performance in the world cup final to realize this. There was nothing in the world that was denying her of her prize. Carli can rise above and take over this game. Which legend will rise above and bring this championship home?
Lastly, who is going to be the hero this city needs. Which rising star will rise to the occasion for Gotham? Portland FC is loaded with known quantities and national team stars. Gotham FC on the other side has a roster full of potential stars. Is Purce ready to take this team on her back and solidify her spot as a national team regular? Can Monahan hustle her way into heroics? Jennifer Cudjo's rising star is on an upward trajectory. A great performance can lift her into superstardom.
One thing for certain. We are in for a thrilling final.
Go Gotham!
Challenge cup final is currently set for kickoff 1pm eastern on cbs.
