3 things we learned from Gotham FC's critical road win against the Orlando Pride | OneFootball

On Friday night, NJ/NY Gotham FC fans could finally breathe a sigh of relief.  The Bats finally won in the NWSL, ending the four-game winless streak.  They beat the Orlando Pride 2-0 on the road and played well.  They were not as threatening in the attack compared to last week’s match against Utah Royals FC, but the difference was that they were clinical in front of the goal.

The goals came from the likely scorer, Esther González, and finally, somebody else, Jaelin Howell.  In fact, Howell’s goal was absolutely incredible.  Geyse’s blocked shot led to the ball going right to the midfielder.  With one touch and kick, she sent the ball through everyone and into the left side of the goal.  It was a volley for the ages and, honestly, one of those goals that will be on the team’s highlight reel for the season.

Moreover, Gotham was again strong defensively.  Ann-Katrin Berger only had to make three saves, but what stood out in the Orlando match was the players’ work to dispossess the ball and pickpocket to limit scoring opportunities.  Without this work, the struggling Pride would have had more chances that would have likely led to a goal.

In the end, the result was exactly what the Bats needed.  Here are three things we learned from Gotham FC’s win in Orlando.

Ann-Katrin Berger took risks

As mentioned, Berger had to make just three saves for Gotham FC.  However, the keeper was influential in so many other ways.  Her awareness of when to catch the ball in the box was vital to the team.  She was also spot on when she allowed the ball to fly past her, knowing it would go out of play.

But Berger was also risky during the match.  She came off her line and even out of the box to sweep the ball to safety.  Every single time she did so, it was a risk.  There was even a moment where she went to the side of the box in an attempt to clear the ball, and her teammates had to intervene to ensure nobody from Orlando would get a shot on the empty goal.

Fortunately, the risks worked out.  But those were still nervous moments for Gotham.

Is Gotham FC about to turn the page?

After this win, supporters can only hope that Gotham FC is about to turn the page in their season and possibly climb a few spots in the standings to guarantee a playoff spot.  Winning on the road, even though Orlando is still struggling, is a great feeling.  The win could act as a spark and boost the confidence of the players in the final third.

However, it is too early to declare that the Bats are back and will win more matches.  In order to declare anything, they must win more in the NWSL.  Remember, Gotham has had a few periods this season where they have gotten good results, but the tough times, like the last month, keep happening.  Still, the team could be close to turning the page.  Only time will tell.

Rose Lavelle played her best match of the season

After missing the first part of the season, Rose Lavelle has slowly been building herself back up to the player fans know her to be.  Before Friday, she did not have a goal or an assist since returning in June.

That all changed when she assisted on González’s goal, creating the goal by a slight through-pass between defenders.  The Spaniard then maneuvered herself around those players to take the diagonal shot and score.  This was a long time coming, and it releases the weight of the world off of Lavelle.

Also, the midfielder played one of her best games so far.  She intercepted passes and stole the ball enough to break up plays.  The way she dribbled around others and put herself in creative chances was similar to the work she did on the pitch last year.  There was a clear difference when she was on the pitch compared to when she came off.

Of course, there is a slight concern for Lavelle since she had to come out in the second half due to suffering a knock.  Whether she would have played the full game for Gotham FC is yet to be seen, but hopefully, the change was precautionary.