Match Recap: Gotham FC win 1-0, takes over Washington as Group D leader

Midfielder Yazmeen Ryan buries penalty to secure three points for Gotham FC

CHESTER, PA – NJ/NY Gotham FC defeated the Washington Spirit 1-0 at Subaru Park on Sunday night. Midfielder Yazmeen Ryan scored the game-winning goal to help the club secure three points. With the win, Gotham FC now leads Group D of the NWSL x LigaMX Summer Cup with five points. 

Gotham FC opened the match with a close opportunity on goal. Defender Mandy Freeman swung a ball into the box towards forward Ella Stevens. The forward took a touch down, and then tried to slip a ball to forward Katie Stengel, but it was just out of reach. 

In the seventh minute, Gotham FC built out of its own third and combined down the right flank. Freeman found Stevens near the midfield line, where the forward played fellow forward Stengel though for a chance on goal. Stengel fired a shot at the near post, but Washington goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury deflected the shot out of bounds. 

Gotham FC continued to push forward in search of the opening goal. In the eighteenth minute, Ryan drove into the box then cut a ball back to defender Bruninha, who was at the top of the box. She took a prep touch around a defender then shot the ball, but the shot was deflected into the air towards goal, where Stengel was able to head the deflection onto frame. However, Kingsbury touched the ball over the crossbar to deny the opportunity.

Both teams entered the half scoreless. Gotham FC led Washinngton in shots (13-2) and possession (58%-44%)

Gotham FC began the second half, just as the club did the first – dominating possession and creating chances in Washington’s defensive third. Eventually in the 62nd minute, Gotham FC broke through with the game’s lone goal. Ryan earned a penalty kick in the box, and stepped up to bury the shot from the spot. 

A few minutes later, the club had another opportunity on goal when Stevens played Ryan in, behind Washington’s backline. Ryan drove to goal then played a cut-back pass to midfielder Delanie Sheehan for the first time shot, which was denied by a Washington defender. 

Gotham FC held Washington to four shots in the game, while firing off eighteen of its own. The club also outpossed its opposition 55% to 45%. 

Gotham FC will return home Friday, Aug. 2 to face Chivas de Guadalajara at Red Bull Arena (8 p.m. ET).