Gary Gibson
Producer
08/22/2024
It was a very productive month for both Gotham Fc’s internationals in France as they won the gold medal and keeper Berger brought home a bronze medal. But also for the remaining players and national team replacement players as they won the group stage without giving up a goal during the run of play. Qualifying for the championship match which will take place on October 25 at Toyota Field in San Antonio, Texas.
They defeated Angel City FC 1-0 in the semifinals, with Delanie Sheehan scoring the winning goal. This was a significant accomplishment for the team, as they are the only team to not concede a goal in the tournament.
Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup
In a not so easy group featuring the scrappy Chicago Red Stars away, the Washington Spirit who hold 2/3s of Gotham FC’s losses this season in Philadelphia, and a very dynamic Chivas team at home.
Key context: Gotham FC was missing up to 15 players through call-ups or injuries.
The stand out performances in the group stage were Cassie Miller, standing on her head in the first match and winning the penalty shootout. Sam Hiatt looked like a best 11 starter. Balancing stout recoveries and passing out of the back as well as getting forward in the attack and being a threat on set pieces. Ella Stevens and Katie Stengel are a partnership that works and put up three goals in a dominant win against Chivas. Bruninha had quite a showcase. Getting forward and taking on defenders with flair and intelligence.
The biggest victory in context was the semi final game against a full strength Angel City. Gotham FC was down 15 players yet held their own and found the breakthrough to get them to the final. Delanie Sheehan shone, balancing her in-game intelligence with a perfectly timed run into the box and finishing far post with lethal accuracy. Gotham relied on national team replacement players such as Sabrina Flores and Mak Whitham and at no point did the team look out of shape or overmatched. Credit to the coaching staff for keeping this group missing so many players on track. Giving up no goals in the run up to the championship.
Olympic Games
Mission accomplished. Shout out to Emma Hayes for balancing the roster, getting results, and coming away with no significant injuries. Gotham FC made up a third of the 18 participants in the Olympics.
Tierna picked up a bone bruise during the tournament but was able to return for the final. Gotham players such as Jenna Nighswonger and Lynn Williams didn’t get many minutes but they made an impact when called upon. Lynn scored a decisive goal, showcasing her lethal ability to strike from anywhere.
However, the best performance of the tournament came from a non USWNT player. Katrin-Ann Berger had an amazing tournament. Announcing to the world that she is still one of the best in the world and simply the most intimidating penalty stoppers in the game today.
Ann made 2 (almost 3) penalty stops and scored the decisive penalty to lift Germany into the Bronze medal game. And to top it all off a last second penalty save against Putellas to send Germany home with the Bronze.
Overall Takeaways
Overall a great month for Gotham FC. Outside of Germany’s loss to the United States in the Olympics, the record was unblemished.
Their performance at the Olympics was nothing short of remarkable, as every player came back with a medal on the backs of strong performances. Back home, the team's success in the Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup further solidified their reputation as a force to be reckoned with. That no matter how far you go down the roster every player stepped up and played their role. Again, credit to the staff at Gotham FC.
What's next?
Gotham FC doesn’t get any rest. As they now face the second half of the season, champions league, and the Liga MX Femenil championship.
Return to regular season action at Red Bull Arena this Saturday against the Portland Thorns.
Kickoff in the Champions League against Alajuelense on September 5th.
The Liga MX Femenil championship match will take place on October 25 at Toyota Field in San Antonio, Texas.
Gotham FC's depth will be put to the ultimate test in the upcoming congested second half of the season. With a packed schedule featuring numerous matches in a short span, the team will rely heavily on their bench players to maintain their competitive edge. The ability of Gotham's reserves to step up and deliver consistent performances will be crucial in ensuring they remain a top contender throughout the season.
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