3 things we learned from Gotham FC's Champions Cup semifinal win | OneFootball

On Wednesday, NJ/NY Gotham FC played Club América Femenil in the semifinals of the CONCACAF W Champions Cup.  Entering the match, there were some concerns about the teams since they were winless and scoreless in their last three NWSL matches.  However, the Bats put those fixtures in the past and played well, winning 3-1.

Gotham FC has now booked their place in the finals and will face Tigres UANL Femenil.  The two sides faced off in the group round and played to an insane 4-4 draw.  Fans would probably expect another crazy game, but it all depends on whether the Bats play like they did against teams like Angel City FC or their loss against Portland Thorns FC.

Of course, the win against Club América can act as a boost for their squad.  All three goals came in the first half.  Geyse and Midge Purce scored for the Bats while an own goal from the Liga MX Femenil side added the third. This was despite being outshot 17-10, but Gotham’s defense was incredible and limited the damage.

Ideally, the team will end the week lifting the first-ever Champions Cup.  Until then, here are three things we learned from Gotham FC’s win over Club América.

3 things we learned from Gotham FC’s semifinal win

3. The offense got the job done in the first half

Most fans would love for their team to score multiple goals over the course of a match.  Sometimes, it works out where all of the goals are scored in one half.  In this case, all four goals came in the first half and from the 21st minute through the 38th.

Geyse opened the scoring for Gotham FC with a slight leaping kick.  Sarah Schupansky sent the ball into open space in the box via a corner kick.  Fortunately, the opposition was ball watching and not player watching, which allowed the Brazilian to find the back of the net.

More importantly, the team was awarded a penalty kick, and Midge Purce stepped up to take the penalty kick.  She added the second goal, which was what the winger needed.  She last scored in 2023 before her ACL injury, so when she finally scored, fans could see it meant the world.

Of course, Jana Gutiérrez scored an own goal to give Gotham their third.  But the three goals gave the Bats some room, and the offense got the job done in the first half.  Notably, the defense, especially in the second half, finished the job to keep the score at 3-1 and send the ladies into the Championship match.

2. Ann-Katrin Berger is Superwoman

So far, Ann-Katrin Berger is not having the season she had last year.  However, the Gotham keeper is still vital to the defense.  She once again proved it against Club América and that she is basically Superwoman.

For starters, Berger had four saves, with three coming in the second half.  Her best save came in the 66th minute against Irene Guerrero.  She had to quickly react and push the ball vertically into the air before catching it afterward.

At the same time, Berger had to receive treatment a few times throughout the game.  There was a point where it looked like she hurt her upper leg and would have to leave the match.  Yet, like she has done numerous times in her Gotham career, she stayed in and continued to perform at a high level.  Between her toughness and saves, the keeper is Superwoman.

1. Gotham FC must believe they can beat Tigres

As mentioned, Gotham FC will face Tigres in the finals.  They just beat a first-place Club América team while Tigres finished the Clausura in fifth place, ten points behind the semifinal opposition.

Tigres defeated Portland, whom the Bats faced in the NWSL, and it was the worst loss of the year.  So, Gotham must believe they can beat Tigres in the finals.  In addition, while the roster is different, the teams faced off in the group round and split the points after a 4-4 match.  Therefore, they know they can compete with the talented team.

What the NJ/NY side needs to do is capture what they have done in their wins so far this season.  They also must believe that they can win, for that is part of the battle.  If they can do that, then Gotham FC will be one step closer to lifting another trophy.