Will Gotham FC beat Angel City in the semifinals?

What happens when two NWSL powerhouses meet in a long-awaited semifinal? Gotham FC and Angel City FC are about to show us. Both teams have impressive records in the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup, but it's Gotham FC who have attracted the most attention, even with their stars absent at the Olympics. Without their US Women's National Team players, Gotham have excelled defensively, allowing zero goals and improving their attacking play throughout the tournament. With four goals in three matches, scoring is still a concern, but the defensive performance has been exemplary.

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Angel City FC have also been solid defensively, allowing just one goal in three group matches. With the return of Christen Press, who has recovered from injury, the Los Angeles team gains a significant reinforcement in attack. Like Gotham, Angel City also scored four goals in the group stage, but showed resilience and determination, beating San Diego Wave on penalties to book their place in the semifinals.

Gotham FC, on the other hand, showed their strength by winning their group and qualifying for the tournament's semifinals. With a 3-0 win over Chivas de Guadalajara Femenil at the Red Bull Arena, the team showed that they are ready to face any challenge. Striker Katie Stengel shone with two goals, while Ella Stevens scored her sixth goal of the season and provided two assists. With this performance, Gotham FC will be confident going into the match against Angel City.

This will be the third meeting between Gotham and Angel City this season. The last time they met, on July 6, Gotham emerged victorious 2-1 at BMO Stadium. With a record of 1-4-1 against New Jersey, Angel City know they will have to overcome the reigning NWSL champions.

The Summer Cup is a special event, the NWSL's first international club tournament during the 2024 Olympic window, featuring all 14 NWSL clubs and six LIGA MX teams. In the group stage, both Gotham and Angel City showed why they are considered favorites, finishing tied on points, but with Gotham leading on goal differential.

The absences of seven Olympic players on Gotham could suggest a weakened team, but that doesn't do justice to the squad that remained. Delanie Sheehan, Neely Martin and Yazmeen Ryan have held down the midfield, while Stevens and Esther González have been key in attack. Stevens, with just eight games in 13 appearances, leads the team in goals and assists, showing that Gotham is still a formidable opponent.

On the other hand, Angel City, who only lost defender Ali Riley for the Olympics, also have important contributions from their players. Messiah Bright, despite not having scored yet, has been a constant threat in attack, registering three great chances and nine shots, the most of any Angel City player. Her performance is an example of how Angel City have managed to overcome challenges and secure positive results.

With a solid campaign so far, Angel City have clinched third place and won Group B, recently beating San Diego Wave on penalties. Goalkeeper DiDi Haračić, with a crucial save, helped her team advance to the semifinals.

Gotham and Angel City have shown themselves to be resilient teams, capable of facing adversity and still producing good results. The semifinal promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams determined to reach the Summer Cup final. For the fans, the anticipation is high and the tension palpable.

Will Gotham FC, with their positive record against Angel City, be able to maintain their superiority and advance to the final? Or will the return of Christen Press give Angel City the boost they need to turn the game around? The stage is set for a soccer spectacle, and only time will tell who will emerge victorious from this epic battle.