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Gotham FC destroys Angel City FC and consolidates as NWSL favorites

At BMO Stadium, Gotham FC dominated Angel City FC with a 2-1 win, consolidating their position as one of the forces in the NWSL

By Izabelle Franca

Jul 6, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; NJ/NY Gotham FC midfielder Emily Sonnett (6) steals the ball from Angel City FC midfielder Rocky Rodriguez (7) during the first half at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 6, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; NJ/NY Gotham FC midfielder Emily Sonnett (6) steals the ball from Angel City FC midfielder Rocky Rodriguez (7) during the first half at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports / Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
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NJ/NY Gotham FC showed why they are one of the most dangerous teams in the NWSL by beating Angel City FC 2-1, securing three valuable points before the international break. The win not only consolidated Gotham's position in the table, leaving them in fourth place with 31 points, but also showed the team's strength and determination to sweep the season against Angel City. Rose Lavelle, the star midfielder, scored her fifth goal of the season, equaling her personal record, while Delanie Sheehan registered her first goal of the regular season, showing that the team is a combination of experience and promising youth.

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From the start of the game, Gotham FC dominated the action. In the 16th minute, Lavelle opened the scoring with a move that began with a turnover by Angel City in the opponent's half. Sheehan, always alert, intercepted the ball and quickly started the attack. With precise passes from Ella Stevens and Crystal Dunn, Lavelle received the ball in the box, took a touch and hit the back of the net. It was crucial, boosting the team's confidence and extending their run of consecutive away games with a goal to five.

In the 40th minute, Gotham FC doubled their lead in a move that showed the cohesion and understanding between the players. Dunn released Stevens deep into the box, who beat the keeper to the ball and made a perfect pass for Sheehan, completely free, to score his first goal of the season. You're probably wondering what Angel City did in the first half. Well, nothing. They were dominated. The first half ended with Gotham FC dominating offensively, with eight shots, seven on target, while holding Angel City to just five shots, none on target.

In the second half, Angel City tried to react and were rewarded with a penalty in the 67th minute, after a foul by Mandy Freeman on Gisele Thompson in the box. Claire Emslie converted the penalty, reducing Gotham's lead to 2-1. Angel City pressed for an equalizer, but the Gotham defense, led by goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, held firm.

In the final minutes, Angel City had one last chance with a shot from Clarisse Le Bihan, but Berger made a spectacular save to secure the win for Gotham FC. This was the 12th time in 16 games that Gotham had beaten their opponents in the first half, showing their consistency and strength in the league. The team improved to 9-0-2 when scoring first, and 5-0-1 away from home, an impressive record.

Gotham FC is establishing itself as one of the favorites for the NWSL playoffs. With players like Lavelle and Sheehan in great form, and a solid defense led by Berger, the team is showing that it has all the qualities necessary to fight for the title. The international break will be a time for the team to recharge their energies and adjust their strategies, but with their current form, Gotham FC are definitely a team to watch.

In a league as competitive as the NWSL, it's crucial to maintain consistency and take advantage of opportunities, and Gotham FC are doing just that. Every player is playing their part, and the team's cohesion is evident in every game. The win over Angel City FC is just further proof that Gotham FC is a team to be respected and feared in the league.

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