NJ/NY Gotham FC rounded out its two-game west coast trip against the Portland Thorns at Providence Park on Wednesday night. The match was presented digitally to Gotham FC fans by Avaya. Despite a second half goal from Carli Lloyd that cut the deficit in half, the Portland Thorns earned all three points in the 2-1 victory with goals from Sophia Smith and Christine Sinclair. With the result, Gotham FC remains in fifth place with 21 points.
The Portland Thorns attack got off to a quick start in the first half with several early looks on goal that prompted big saves from goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. Despite having nearly 60% possession, Gotham FC did a significant amount of defending against 15 first half shots from Portland. Just shy of the 30 minute mark, Smith’s high pressure forced a turnover from defender Erica Skroski just outside the box that resulted in a goal. Ten minutes later, Estelle Johnson fouled Sophia Smith on an entry pass into the box that was awarded a penalty kick. Sinclair converted from the spot and extended Portland’s lead to 2-0 heading into the half.
Coming out of halftime, Gotham FC transitioned from a 3-5-2 to its familiar 4-3-3 formation, which helped to open up play. In the 78th minute, Dydasco sent in a cross to the penalty spot that was headed on by Lloyd to get Gotham FC on the scoreboard. Dydasco now has four assists on the season and is level with Naho Kawasumi as the team’s assist leaders. The remainder of the game was played predominantly in Portland’s end where Gotham FC created several chances but was unable to find the late-game equalizer.
In a quick turnaround, Gotham FC will return home to Red Bull Arena on Sunday, August 29 to take on the visiting Orlando Pride on Olympic Return Night. Join Gotham FC as we welcome back Olympians Carli Lloyd, Kailen Sheridan, and Evelyne Viens. Following that match, the team will remain at home to face the Chicago Red Stars at Red Bull Arena on Saturday, September 4. Single and group tickets are now on sale and pricing details can be found here.
MATCH REPORT
Match: Portland Thorns FC vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC
Date: August 25, 2021
Venue: Providence Park; Portland, Ore.
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Low 70s; partly sunny
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
Portland Thorns FC 2 0 2
NJ/NY Gotham FC 0 1 1
POR – Sophia Smith 29’
POR – Christine Sinclair (P) 41’
NJY – Carli Lloyd (Caprice Dydasco) 78’
Lineups:
POR: 31-Bella Bixby; 25-Meghan Klingenberg (15-Madison Pogarch, 61’), 4-Becky Sauerbrunn, 5-Emily Menges, 18-Christen Westphal; 36-Angela Salem (42-Olivia Moultrie, 67’), 10-Lindsey Horan, 11-Rocky Rodriguez; 9-Sophia Smith (22-Morgan Weaver, 45’), 19-Crystal Dunn (40-Marissa Everett, 61’), 12-Christine Sinclair (capt.)
(23-Yazmeen Ryan, 73’)
Substitutes not used: 14-Natalia Kuikka, 20-Kelli Hubly, 39-Meaghan Nally, 43-Shelby Hogan
NJY: 1-Kailen Sheridan; 12-Gina Lewandowski, 8-Erica Skroski (28-Imani Dorsey, 45’), 24-Estelle Johnson; 3-Caprice Dydasco, Jennifer Cudjoe, 27-Gaëtane Thiney (11-Sodam Lee, 61’), 16-Allie Long, 19-Elizabeth Eddy (9-Nahomi Kawasumi, 74’); 25-Ifeoma Onumonu, 10-Carli Lloyd (capt.)
Substitutes not used: 2-Brianna Pinto, 7-McCall Zerboni, 13-DiDi Haracic, 17-Domi Richardson, 18-Delanie Sheehan, 20-Evelyne Viens
Stats Summary: POR / NJY
Shots: 20 / 9
Shots on Goal: 9 / 3
Saves: 2 / 7
Corner Kicks: 5 / 6
Fouls: 17 / 14
Offside: 5 / 3
Misconduct Summary:
NJY – Erica Skroski (caution) 40’
POR – Lindsey Horan (caution) 52’
Officials:
Referee: Mark Allatin
Assistant Referee 1: Tiffini Turpin
Assistant Referee 2: Katarzyna Wasiak
4th Official: Dion Coxe
Budweiser Player of the Match: Kailen Sheridan
About NJ/NY Gotham FC:
Originally named Sky Blue FC, the Club underwent a major rebrand in April 2021 and officially changed its name to NJ/NY Gotham FC. Representing New Jersey and New York, the Club plays its National Women’s Soccer League home matches at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. The Club has been part of the NWSL since the league launched in 2013. Founded in 2007, Gotham FC originally debuted as Jersey Sky Blue in the W-League of United Soccer Leagues. The Club won its first trophy as Sky Blue FC in 2009 after winning the inaugural Women’s Professional Soccer championship. Most recently, Gotham FC played in the 2021 Challenge Cup Final against the Portland Thorns, the Club’s first ever championship appearance in NWSL competition.
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