LOUISVILLE, KY – NJ/NY Gotham FC forward Paige Monaghan scored in the first half to give her team the lead before forward Taylor Smith scored in the 80th minute to lead Gotham FC a 2-1 road win over Racing Louisville FC.
Ashlyn Harris had a beautiful save on a free-kick from just outside the 18-yard box by Racing Louisville FC (2-5-4, 10 points) in the 12th minute, as Gotham FC’s (4-5-0, 12 points) defense remained stifling in the first half despite Louisville’s constant assault.
“Really proud of the team. They don’t stop wanting to get better and pushing us as a staff to be better,” coach Scott Parkinson said.
Gotham FC broke through in the 26th minute after Monaghan scored on the counterattack from just the 18-yard line to give Gotham a 1-0 and end a three-game scoring drought. Midfielder Delaine Smith set Monaghan up for her first goal of the season with a beautiful pass in transition.
“I'm just so thankful for my team,” Monaghan said. “Obviously, it’s frustrating not scoring, and felt it a lot. But my teammates, coaches, and my family and friends just constantly believed in me as well as me believing in myself.”
Gotham FC held off Louisville’s constant attack to go into the half with a 1-0 lead. Harris had another nice save in the 50th minute to hold onto the lead.
Taylor Smith nearly added to the lead on the counterattack in the next minute, beating three defenders, but was unable to punch it in. Smith had another chance in the 65th minute but was saved by the keeper.
Following a Gotham FC giveaway in their own half of the field, Savannah DeMelo scored to make it 1-1 in the 67th minute.
Smith finally broke through for Gotham in the 80th minute off a pass from midfielder Nahomi Kawasumi The match was only her second game with Gotham after being picked up off waivers from NC Courage.
“So proud of her,” Parkinson said of Smith. “She’s given us so much energy. She’s such a special player and we’re glad to have her here.”
The team hits the road again when they play the Portland Thorns on July 16. The kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. The game will be aired on Paramount+ and streamed live on Twitch internationally.
