HARRISON, NJ(April 1, 2023)– In a tightly-contested match, OL Reign defeated Gotham FC, 2-0, tonight before a loud and passionate crowd at Gotham FC's Home Opener at Red Bull Arena.
In an action-packed first half, each team had five shots. Gotham FC created many scoring chances, including a pair at 11’ and 45’ on plays from Midge Purce to Kristie Mewis.
In the 31st minute, Rose Lavelle sent a through ball into Jess Fishlock, who found the bottom right corner to open the scoring. Bethany Balcer made it 2-0 in the 62nd minute, scoring off a scramble for the loose ball after an OL Reign corner kick.Gotham continued to push during the second half, creating a few great chances in the final minutes, but was unable to convert.
“What I would like to highlight is how the team kept fighting and kept going forward until the final whistle,”said Gotham FC Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós.
Added midfielder Yazmeen Ryan,“This is a huge lesson for us, and better to have it now than later in the season. I know that moving forward we’re going to learn from this.”
The game was delayed by approximately 90 minutes by lightning strikes in the area. Despite having to shelter on the concourse for the long delay, Gotham FC fans showed their fierce dedication to their club and were loud from beginning to end.
“I really want to thank everyone because after such a long delay, when we came on the pitch, all the fans were there and were really engaged,” said Amorós. “I haven’t experienced something like that before.”
Notes
Sinead Farrelly Makes Gotham FC Debut:Gotham FC utilized five substitutions. At the start of the second half, Jenna Nighswonger subbed in forSvava Rós Guðmundsdóttir.In the 58thminute, McCall Zerboni subbed in for Kelley O’Hara, and Victoria Pickett came in for Mandy Freeman. O’Hara, wearing the captain’s armband with Ali Krieger sidelined with an injury, gave the armband to Allie Long. In the 69thminute, Sinead Farrelly made her Gotham FC debut, subbing in for Yazmeen Ryan, and Taylor Smith entered the game for Bruninha.
Torch Lighting Tradition Begins:Gotham FC owners Eli Manning and Carli Lloyd ignited a new pre-match tradition at tonight’s Home Opener. Joined by members of Gotham FC’s official supporters group, Cloud 9, Manning and Lloyd led a Torch Lighting ceremony celebrating the deep connection between the team, fans, and New Jersey-New York Community. The Torch Lighting will take place at every Gotham FC home match and featurethe club’s passionate supporters and special guests – including local heroes, celebrities, professional athletes, and other dignitaries.
Next Up:After an International Break, Gotham FC’s next match is Saturday, April 15 against the Orlando Pride at Exploria Stadium. Gotham FC then returns to Red Bull Arena for two games: a Challenge Cup match on Wednesday, April 19 against the Washington Spirit, and regular season match on Saturday, April 22 against the NC Courage. Both home matches are at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets on Sale Now:Information on Single Match tickets for Gotham FC home matches is availableHERE. Season Ticket Memberships and group ticket packages are also available now by visiting GothamFC.com. Gotham FC Founders Club Members and Season Ticket Members receive the Black Box and its limited-edition items.