Credit Gotham FC
By Juan Carlos Maygua
The Challenge Cup found one of their finalists as Gotham FC got a draw against Racing Louisville FC. The result worked since North Carolina failed to win their game against Orlando Pride. Given that the final is next week, many teams are already looking forward to the start of the regular season. But as of right now Gotham clinches a spot in the final within a month of rebranding. While Racing Louisville FC obtains a valuable point as the franchise takes their first steps in the NWSL.
In another challenging game, Gotham FC was tested defensively. Caprice Dydasco looked solid and displayed confidence as a part of the defensive line. I had the opportunity to ask her about that aspect of her game. “I have my good days and bad days, thank goodness for great staff, great PT, great teammates who encourage me. It’s not always easy, everybody always thinks the hardest part of the process it’s getting surgery. But the hardest part for me and anyone going through ACL is just getting back to team training environment because you know what you can do but your body is just not ready”. Highlighting the difficult process that Dydasco had to endure as she now is becoming a regular starter with Gotham FC. “I’m a technical player, I love to play out of the back, love to attack and go forward so I knew that I Had to be good at what I can do to contribute to the team, and everything else will come. Putting in the work and having that mindset of continuing to do what I can do and work in whatever I need to work on”. Dydasco also spoke about how important the championship game will be for the team since it’s an opportunity to show what the team can do. Imani Dorsey had some key defensive interventions that helped the team reach that final.
In terms of attacking power Margaret Purse carried the team in that right lane, the majority of goal-scoring chances came through her runs down the wing. However, the team struggled with finishing plays, but the game itself was played in the midfield. Thus, why there were not many shots on goal. The game did see some injuries, but Alexandra Long eclipsed any sort of reaction from Racing Louisville FC. Being that this was her first game with Gotham she dismissed any feelings of pressure as she stepped into the field. “I felt no pressure at all, I’ve been a fan of Gotham, so I evaluated their style and what they try to do. When I got traded I was excited to fit into their system and be a part of their culture”. Long also highlighted the importance of having USWNT teammates like Carly Lloyd by her side to make her integration comfortable. Gotham FC is on the verge of enriching their short history in the final of the Challenge Cup next week.
The managers perspective
Acting head coach Becca Moros reflected on the game’s result and the impact it could have in the championship game. “We needed this result or better, so we’re certainly happy that we came away with the tie, and that allows us to go into the Championship. A big thing is a consistency and we’re trending in the right direction. Some results can be misleading, so the biggest thing for us is looking at this with clearer eyes, going through some film, and seeing what we need to improve on to prepare for Portland.”
In terms of how she feels about facing Portland in the final; “They’re strong, they’ve been playing well. The match-up is good for us, we do well with challenges. We like the pressure, so it’ll be an exciting opportunity for us to face a formidable opponent with a stacked roster and prove that we belong here.”