HARRISON, NJ(SM-WOMEN-GLOBAL-SPORTS- AUGUST 24-25, 2024)-The 2023 NWSL defending champions " GothamFC " defeated the Portland Thorns 2-0, in first home game since the Olympiad games break, celebrating the homecoming 
of the GothamNJ/NY and US gold medalist players who represented the USWNT in the 2024 Paris Olympic in France on Saturday's afternoon game at RedBulls Arena.

With the win, The Goths  improves to 10-4-3 and are in fourth place with 34 points in the NWSL standing.

GothamFC wasted no time and went to the offensive from the start opening the game score very early at 7' mark on its first major offensive attack through Ella Stevens.

In a counter-attack through the left-side field corner, defender Bruninha kicked  a centered pass on top of 6-yard box, finding Stevens who scored with header to the opposite goalpost ending back in the net for her six goal of the season and put the Goths 1-0, at seven minutes of the first half. 

Gotham kept the pressure with four additional counter-attacks in the first half but  without nay major danger while Portland's goalkeeper Shelby Hogan registered couple save to closed-out the half 1-0, in favor of the Goths.

In the second half, Gotham picked-up where they left-off offensively, midfielder
Yazmeen Ryan missed two clear opportunities back-to-to back during a span of 4' minute when she found herself all alone inside the 18' and shot a left-footed over the crossbar at 50' mark, and 4' later, Ryan once again all alone shot a right-footed to the hands of goalkeeper Shelby Hogan for her third save of the game at 54' mark.

The Thorns had the chance to level the game with the equalizer at 52' mark when Gotham's defense failed to clear the ball inside its own 18' and midfielder
Olivia Moultrie shot a right-footed towards goals but goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger deflected the ball out-bounds with her glove for a sensational save of the game.  

Gotham kept the pressure and after two more registered saves by Portland goalkeeper Shelby Logan, midfielder Yazmeen Ryan finally found the back of the net after her fourth try at goal at 69' minute to make it 2-0, over the Thorns.

The play was originated by midfielder Rose Lavelle who came in from the bench to replace Ella Stevens in the second half due to an injury at 54', and through the middle gave it to Yazmeen Ryan who  shot a hard right-footed from 25-yards away to the opposite goalpost for her second goal of the season at 69' mark and sealed the 2-0, win for GothamFC over the Portland Thorns. 

The Gotham FC players that were honored : Ann Berger(Goalkeeper/Germany), Tierna Davidson, Crystal Dunn, Rose Lavelle, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett & Lynn Williams represented the US WNT and won the gold medal.

Portland Thorns players: Sophia Smith and Sam Coffey played and represented the USWNT and won the gold for the US. While McKenzie Arnold(Australia),Nicole Payne (Nigeria), and Jessie Flemming represented Canada in the 2024 Paris Olympics in France.
 



Article Written & Photo By Marcello Cutti II/Starlight Illustrated