SAN FRANCISCO (Friday, May 24, 2024) - NJ/NY Gotham FC extended its unbeaten streak to six games after defeating Bay FC 2-0 on Friday night at PayPal Park. Forward Ella Stevens netted the fastest brace in the NWSL this season, with just two minutes and eleven seconds between the two goals. The forward has also scored in three-straight games.
 
In the two teams' first-ever meeting, Gotham FC and Bay FC battled it out for the first few minutes, exchanging chances from each side. Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was called off her line in the ninth minute to deny Bay FC, as the opposition tried to find its way behind the backline. 
 
However, the first true opportunity on goal came from Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle in the 31st minute. Lavelle received the ball on the flank and drove across the field and fired a curling at the top of the box, but the shot ricocheted off the far post. 
 
Quickly after, Gotham FC found the back of the net first. After defender Maycee Bell won a foul, midfielder Delanie Sheehan caught Bay FC slow to set up for the free kick and played forward Esther into the box. Esther then quickly passed the ball across the face of the goal to Stevens, who easily buried the ball into the back of the net. 
 
In the 33rd minute, Stevens completed her brace. Stevens picked the pocket of Bay FC goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland and dribbled into the empty goal to double Gotham FC’s lead. 
 
At the break, Gotham FC led Bay FC in ball possession (55%-45%), shots on goal (3-0), and completed passes (177-117). 
 
The club shifted focus to protecting the lead and shutout for much of the second half. The two teams combined for six total goal attempts in the final half. After nine minutes of stoppage time, Gotham FC handed Bay FC its second shutout of the season in the 2-0 victory. The shutout marked Gotham FC’s fourth clean sheet of the season, and was Berger’s third. 
 
After the international break, Gotham FC will return home to Red Bull Arena to host Angel City on Saturday, June 8, with kickoff set for 12:30 pm ET.
 

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POSTGAME ASSETS 
 
Key Match Notes

• Gotham FC won its first-ever meeting with Bay FC. Bay FC failed to score for the second time this year and the first time at home.
• Gotham FC continues to lead the league in fewest goals conceded with seven and posted its fourth clean sheet, three now by goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
• The club improved to 13-0-3 in its last 16 matches when leading at the half.
• Forward Ella Stevens scored her first career regular season brace (and the 20th in club regular season history) and became the first player for the club to score in three straight matches since forward Midge Purce in 2021. Stevens finished both of her shots on the night.
• Forward Esther picked up her second assist in as many games and created two chances.
• Forward Crystal Dunn passed 10,000 career regular season minutes and finished the night with 10,009.
• Defender Maycee Bell won 10 of her 15 duals and seven of eight tackles.

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MATCH SUMMARY
Bay FC vs. Gotham FC 
May 24, 2024 – PayPal Park
 
Goals by Half               1       2          F
Bay FC                           0       0         0
Gotham FC                     2       0        2
 
Scoring Summary:
NJY: Ella Stevens 31’ (Esther), 33’
 
Misconduct Summary:
BAY: Yellow Card: Racheal Kundananji (49’)
 
Lineups:
NJY: Ann-Katrin Berger, Sam Hiatt (Tierna Davidson 60’), Emily Sonett, Jenna Nighswonger, Maycee Bell, Nealy Martin ©, Delanie Sheehan, Rose Lavelle, Esther, Ella Stevens (Maitane 86’), Yazmeen Ryan (Crystal Dunn 60’)
 
BAY: Katelyn Rowland, Savy King (Alyssa Malonson 68’), Caprice Dydasco, Emily Menges, Kayla Sharples, Kiki Pickett, Joelle Anderson (Deyna Castellanos 68’), Tess Boade, Racheal Kundananji, Asisat Oshoala (Dorian Bailey 68’), Scarlett Camberos
 

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