NJ/NY Gotham FC sealed the 2024 season with a good 4-1 win over Utah Royals to further seal its place as one of the top contenders in the NWSL. The score might indicate a one-sided match, but this last game was full of moments that showed the grit and potentials of Utah, even if the result didn't go their way. It was more than just a safe passage into the playoffs for Gotham FC, but a win to reassure the team of how good it is, while for the Royals, the match was an opportunity to learn and build for the future.
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Gotham FC: Power and Precision in Every Goal
Gotham entered the Beehive State ready to snatch the win and wasted little time doing it. Just after the 15-minute mark, Yazmeen Ryan opened the scoring with a beautifully finished play. From midfield, with one touch, the ball moved quickly down the right side of the park with Ella Stevens, who played a perfectly weighted through-ball to Ryan. With no hesitation, Ryan slotted the ball in the back of the net to give Gotham the advantage.
The second came as quickly as lightning, just two minutes later; Mandy Freeman scored a stunning "worldie". Showing pure class, Freeman opened up space for an unstoppable shot into the top corner. The Utah Royals, who took to the pitch ready to compete, found themselves in a tough challenge as Gotham proved impressive in their ability to turn good plays into goals.
First-Half Challenges for Utah Royals
Utah Royals knew Gotham was a respected team, but the intensity with which the visitors entered the pitch in the first 45 minutes somewhat surprised the Royals' defense. In possession, Gotham dominated 60% to Utah's 40%, while a similar story was told in the number of shots with Gotham at 10 and Utah managing only two.
Captain Kate Del Fava of the Royals worked hard to organize her team's defense, rallying her team forward. Utah tried to get into a rhythm, but it was clear that Gotham dominated in almost every regard. Their incisive defense and precision-tight offense took the visitors comfortably ahead 2-0 to close the first half.
Second-Half Spark: Utah Royals Regroup
Head coach Jimmy Coenraets made changes at halftime to reorganize the team for a comeback, replacing Mina Tanaka with Cameron Tucker; however, Gotham continued to manage the game. Esther González had her chances in the beginning of the second half, one ruled out by referees for handball, but she showed that Gotham still has plenty of energy left.
It wasn't until the 74th minute that Utah finally closed the gap. In a brilliant read of the game, Kate Del Fava launched a long, precise ball to Hannah Betfort, who beat the defense with a pinpoint shot that kissed the post on its way in. This goal was testament to the Royals' resilience, even knowing the playoffs were out of reach.
Superiority of Gotham in Last Minutes
If the goal by Betfort gave Utah some semblance of hope, it lasted a short time. Just three minutes later, Gotham stretched the advantage to a third goal courtesy of Esther González. She capitalized on Mandy Freeman's pass, beating goalkeeper Mandy Haught with perfect touches before placing a perfect shot. Gotham didn't let up, and in minute 84, González netted her second goal, off a Yazmeen Ryan corner. She quickly moved the ball in with her backheel, deflecting it into the goal to seal the game at 4-1.
With the win, Gotham secured the second position in the standings and will go to playoffs on an unbeaten eight-game streak, while Utah wraps up the season with seven wins, 15 losses, and four draws with a finishing position of 10th in the NWSL.