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Match Recap: Gotham FC takes 2-0 victory over NC Courage in UKG Challenge Cup
August 6, 2023

Match Recap: Gotham FC takes 2-0 victory over NC Courage in UKG Challenge Cup

HARRISON, NJ (Saturday, August 5, 2023) - NJ/NJ earned a huge 2-0 home win at Red Bull Arena in UKG Challenge Cup action Saturday against East Division leaders the North CarolinaCourage. Going into the match with major implications at stake, Gotham FC rose to the opportunity and still has a chance to win the East with a result over the Orlando Pride on Wednesday, Aug. 9

In Saturday’s match, Gotham FC opened the scoring in the 15th minute of play, when forward Katie Stengel received the ball in the box and lured the defenders to the left before finishing on a low-driven shot into the bottom right corner.

Gotham remained steady on both the attack and defense to maintain the 1-0 scoreline going into halftime.

In the second half, the home side doubled its tally when midfielder/ forward Delanie Sheehan found McCall Zerboni for a strike to the bottom left corner in the 58th minute.

Gotham FC goalkeeper Abby Smith played an influential role in keeping the clean sheet after making a double-save at the height of the crossbar and then punching away a shot to the top corner in second half stoppage time.

With the result, Gotham FC (10 points) closes the gap on the NC Courage (11 points) in UGK Challenge Cup. If the NJ/NY side can win its final group match against the Orlando Pride on Wednesday at Red Bull Arena, Gotham FC will win the East Division and qualify for the semifinals. Wednesday's match is the rescheduled meeting between these two clubs after their June 7 game was postponed due to poor air quality in the area.

STARTING LINEUP

Abby Smith, Jenna Nighswonger, Ali Krieger (Kristin Edmonds, ‘43), Ellie Jean, Mandy Freeman (Taylor Smith, ‘75), Nealy Martin, McCall Zerboni (Maitane López, ‘89), Delanie Sheehan, Yazmeen Ryan, Katie Stengel (Allie Long, ‘75), Midge Purce (Sabrina Flores, ‘89)