Gotham FC x San Diego Wave

On Sunday night, Gotham FC drew over 15,000 fans to Red Bull Arena for a thrilling match. Gotham FC lost a close game against the San Diego Wave by a score of 1-0.

After Alex Morgan, a striker for the San Diego Wave, had an opportunity early on but missed the goal in the third minute of play, Gotham FC dominated the rest of the first half. Gotham FC kept most of the possession and took four shots with zero corners conceded while keeping the Wave to just one shot and seven offside calls.

Makenzy Doniak of the Wave scored first for her team in the 46th minute. Long's 20-yard free kick for Gotham FC was a result of their aggressive pressing for an immediate response. Kristie Mewis, later on in the second half, had a great chance to capitalize off a set piece for Gotham. Mewis took the free kick and sent a dangerous cross into the box, which was bounced around and finally was cleared by the San Diego defense to preserve their 1-0 lead.

The closely fought game remained a back-and-forth battle. In the 72nd minute, Gotham FC's Bruninha stopped a shot by Jaedyn Shaw of the Wave to keep her team in the game. Shaw's first shot was deflected right back to her, but Abby Smith made another great diving save. Smith finished the evening with three stops and deserved a clean sheet, which unfortunately did not come.

Gotham continued pressing forward in the dying seconds, creating countless opportunities. However, the score would finish 1-0 in San Diego’s favor despite their best efforts.

[Photography by Ben Rowe]