MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Angel City try to overcome crisis against Gotham FC

After a disastrous run, Angel City FC seek redemption at home against Gotham FC before the Olympic break

By Izabelle Franca

Jun 8, 2024; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Angel City FC forward Messiah Bright (24) controls the ball against NJ/NY Gotham FC midfielder Jenna Nighswonger (2) and midfielder Maitane Lopez (77) during the second half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2024; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Angel City FC forward Messiah Bright (24) controls the ball against NJ/NY Gotham FC midfielder Jenna Nighswonger (2) and midfielder Maitane Lopez (77) during the second half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Jones-USA TODAY Sports / Jonathan Jones-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit

Angel City FC are in a tricky situation. A heavy 3-0 defeat at home to Orlando Pride left them in a bad way, but now they have a golden chance to redeem themselves against a strong NJ/NY Gotham FC side, fourth in the table. This match is the last before the seven-week break for the Olympic Games. Fans will be hoping that the team can show more solid and efficient soccer, something that has been lacking in recent games.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

Gotham's last result was a 1-1 draw against Seattle Reign, with an own goal from Nealy Martin late in stoppage time securing a point for the Reign. A draw may seem like a good result, but considering Gotham's performance this season, it was a disappointment. With a record of 8-3-4, Gotham is comfortably in fourth place with 28 points, but the pressure to maintain that position is great. The team made some big signings last offseason, including four starters from the US Women's National Team, but it's the lesser-known Ella Stevens who leads the team in goals, showing that Gotham's success doesn't just depend on its stars.

Angel City, on the other hand, are in 11th place with 15 points and a record of 4-8-3. The team started the 2024 season in unstable form and, despite an attempt to recover, the results have not been favorable. Angel City's record against Gotham isn't the best, with just one win in five meetings. The last meeting between the teams resulted in a 2-1 defeat for Angel City, a game that exposed many of the team's weaknesses.

Gotham coach Juan Carlos Amorós has implemented a possession-based style of play, which has proved effective, especially in defense. With only 12 goals conceded this season, Gotham are one of the hardest teams to score against. This defensive solidity will be a big challenge for Angel City, who have struggled to find the back of the net consistently.

For Angel City, the key to this match will be resilience. They need to bounce back after the humiliating defeat to Orlando Pride and show their fans that they still have what it takes to compete at the highest level. Angel City goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan will have to be at her best to hold off the Gotham attack, while the defense needs to be more cohesive and organized to avoid the mistakes that have cost them dearly.

Gotham, for their part, go into the game with the confidence of knowing they have a balanced team capable of creating chances in a variety of ways. Midfielder Yazmeen Ryan and defender Jenna Nighswonger have been instrumental in providing assists, while the diversity of attacking options makes Gotham a dangerous opponent.

feed