Gary Gibson
Gotham escapes Red Bull Arena with a point in another game where they hang around long enough to steal 2 points from their opponent. Here is what we learned.
What's missing:
Gotham just isn't the same without Allie Long. Allie played in every game last season minus one for yellow card accumulation. In that span Long completed 90 plus percentage of her passes and was the fulcrum of the attack. Allie switches the point of attack and dictates the place and pace of the attack better than any defensive midfielder in the league. Without Long relieving pressure Gotham gets stuck in areas and allows for teams to press them more effectively. The only player currently on roster who can effectively alleviate pressure is Jennifer Cudjoe. A player who's not getting the minutes she needs. Torres has potential but is a work in progress.
The hero this city needs:
Ifeoma Onumonu is the best number 9 in the league. She was brilliant on the day. When Gotham was struggling in transition Onumonu was dropping centrally to hold up the ball. When Carolina pressed high she stretched the defense. She kept occupying defenders enough to give Purce and Monaghan multiple 1v1 opportunities. Like many times last season, when the team needs a goal, she comes up with one. Late game goals are her thing. She never stops working.
Unsung hero:
Jean saves the day again. Ellie has been a game changer off the bench for Gotham. It was her ball that sent Midge on her way to late game heroics last week. This week, the play that forced the corner kick that led to the Onumonu goal was a dangerous cross to the near post from Jean from a difficult angle. Jean adds versatility both in the attack and defensively. She became a center back in the trio the last minutes when Gotham was pushing for the winner. She's added an attacking first mindset while being an extra layer of defense. Her skill set was surely needed last season. But so far she's been a tremendous addition to this team.
Gotham returns April 17th to Red Bull Arena. Be there as Gotham keeps the rivalry going against the champs.