Gotham end ACFC undefeated streak in 4-0 win
For ACFC the positives not only heading into the season with new ownership powered by Bob Iger and Willow Bay’s record breaking investment making the club the most valuable women’s franchise in the world, but also the promise of a side that welcomed the return of Christen Press from injury and has continued to see an ascendence from talents like Alyssa Thompson and sister Gisele, have fostered a sense of inertia that has been backed by an undefeated streak heading into the Gotham matchup. However, without the services of Alyssa Thompson the offense would face a challenging Gotham defense anchored by USWNT veteran Emily Sonnet.
In a physical first half ACFC won a majority of the 48 duels in the match with strong midfield play that held back a surging Esther González that looked dangerous from the outset of the match. Esther opened the proceedings with a fantastic finish off the side bar finishing with her left in the 18th minute. However, the press from ACFC continued to be formidable continuing the hard pressing strategy that has defined the football so far this season. The announcement of Alexander Straus as the new head coach of the club taking effect June 1st only continues the narrative that ACFC is looking to transform into an attack focused dominating club.
Unfortunately, it was Gotham that would do the dominating, as the second half opened with an error coming from a pass intended for González resulting in an own goal, then breaking wide open with a second goal from González off a goal line corner from Sarah Schupansky earning Esther González the brace for the match. The final goal came in the 85th minute for Geyse off of another brilliant cross from Midge Purce sealing a commanding performance for Gotham and leaving questions for the ACFC defense heading into their match against league topping Orlando on Friday.
The collection of defensive lapses, counterattack weaknesses, and lack of organization in the second half left vulnerabilities that Orlando will look to capitalize on. For Gotham, the strong performance in front of an 18,000+ strong BMO stadium showed the force this club is capable of and the misleading start they have had to the season. Gotham will look to capitalize on Tuesday against the Thorns.
