In perhaps one of the most dramatic extra time games in National Women’s Soccer League history, NJ/NY Gotham FC managed two goals in 19 minutes of extra time in their match away at Orlando on April 15th. The two goals, scored in the 100th and 107th minute, gave Gotham a huge three points after bouncing back from their 0-2 loss two weeks prior. Gotham also earned their first clean sheet of the 2023 season.
The two teams met twice in the 2022 NWSL regular season. Gotham won their first 2022 match up against the Pride by a margin of 3-0, but fell to the visiting Orlando 2-1 at their home match that was held at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania in August 2022.
Going into a three game week which includes the first Challenge Cup game of the 2023 season, some rotation was expected from Gotham manager Juan Carlos Amorós. Indeed, the manager made 3 changes to their starting lineup from the OL Reign game, putting in Jenna Nighswonger, Victoria Pickett, and Ifeoma Onumonu to replace Svava Rós Guðmundsdóttir, Bruninha, and Margaret “Midge” Purce, and lining up in a 4-3-3.
Chances Back and Forth in the First Half
Due to technical issues from the league’s broadcast partner Paramount +, the first 40 minutes of the game was unavailable for viewers in the United States. Thankfully, the NWSL Twitter account posted highlights from the first half of the match.
The first half was an evenly matched back-and-forth between the two teams. Players from both squads managed good looks at goal, but no one was able to break the deadlock in the first 45. Key saves from both goalkeepers kept the score 0-0 at the half.
Lynn Williams got the first chance of the match for Gotham, taking the ball away from Caitlin Cosme and dribbling into the final third. She took a shot with the side of her right foot but the ball ended up driving down low and into the hands of Orlando Pride goalkeeper Kaylie Collins.
Orlando’s first chance started with a run from Adriana down the middle. She gets taken down but the ball ends up at the feet of Erika Tymrak who manages a short pass in the box to Kerry Abello. Abello takes a shot which goes straight into the hands of Gotham goalkeeper Abby Smith. Orlando gets another chance later on a counter attack when rookie Messiah Bright receives a long ball down the left side. Dribbling the ball into the final third, Bright gets past three Gotham players but Nighswonger was able to get her foot on the ball and kick it out of danger.
Gotham gets one more chance before the end of the first half. Nighswonger sends a cross to Onumonu, extending her foot to get a touch on the ball which bounces into the goalkeeper’s hands. Orlando’s final chance of the half came from a well timed pass from Marta to Abello who took a long shot from outside the box. Smith was able to make a comfortable save to keep it 0-0.
The Battle continues in the Second Half
Orlando Pride wasted no time getting things started in the second half. A left footed shot from Marta inside the box forced Abby Smith to make an inspired save.
In the 49th minute, Gotham saw two great chances to score a goal. The first came from Nighswonger who crossed the ball from the right side into the box to find Williams, only to have the shot blocked. A lucky bounce finds the ball at the feet of Gotham midfielder Yazmeen Ryan who takes a shot. The ball is blocked and cleared by Orlando’s defense. Moments later, Kelley O’Hara collects the ball and sends it into the box in what may have been either a cross or a shot but forcing the keeper to make a save.
Gotham made their first substitution of the match in the 61st minute, taking Pickett out for Sinead Farrelly, who would get a huge opportunity to score for Gotham in the 64th minute.
Williams sends a ground pass into the box, finding Farrelly who shoots the ball with the side of her left foot. A well positioned Cosme blocks the shot, saving a near certain goal for Farrelly. Ryan followed up with the rebound but Pride defender Kylie Strom extended her foot out and blocked the second chance.
Gotham would make another substitution in the 69th minute, subbing Onumonu out for Purce. In the 80th minute, Purce gets a great look at goal from outside the box, shooting a rocket that forces Collins jump to tip the ball out with her fingertips.
Extra Time Madness
Earning a late corner in the 92nd minute, Purce delivers the ball into the box which appears to hit the arm of Cosme. After some protests from Gotham players including midfielder Kristie Mewis, a lengthy VAR check ensued. The referee eventually ruled it a handball giving Purce the opportunity to score the the opening goal of the match in the 100th minute. Purce easily converted from the penalty spot, earning her second goal of the season.
Gotham wasn’t done yet. Although the team spent ample time dribbling into the corner, Williams received a cross from Purce down the left side, dribbled past two Pride defenders, and took an angled shot with her right foot in the 107th minute, sealing a two goal victory for the New Jersey/New York side.
Purce and Williams also broke records in this game by scoring the two latest goals in NWSL regular season history. Purce’s goal at 99:53 and Williams’ goal at 106:45 surpassed the previous record held by Katie Johnson for a goal in April at 99:12.
What’s Next For Gotham?
Gotham FC’s next match will be on Wednesday, April 19, versus the Washington Spirit in their first group stage of the NWSL Challenge Cup. For more information, visit GothamFC.com.