overview:
It may not be as prestigious as the National Women's Soccer League title won last year, but New Jersey/New York Gotham FC is already hoisting the trophy in 2024.
COLUMBIA CALI โ It may not be as prestigious as the National Women's Soccer League title won last year, but New Jersey/New York Gotham FC is already hoisting a trophy in 2024.
Gotham FC defeated Racing Louisville 3-1 on Friday night to win the Women's Cup.
Esther, who won last summer's Women's World Cup with Spain, led the way with two goals.
Racing started the game with a goal from forward Rylin Turner in the 8th minute.
Gotham FC then settled into the game and began pressing high and creating chances.
In the 33rd minute, defender Kelly O'Hara lofted the ball into the box towards forward Katie Stengel. When the forward flicked the ball on target, the goalkeeper was forced to make a save with his fingertips. From this chance, they created many chances from three consecutive corner kicks, but Gotham FC was unable to score by the end of the first half.
Just into the second half, Gotham FC scored the tying goal. Midfielder Delaney Sheehan forced a turnover on a kickoff back pass. The ball was deflected and fell into the hands of Esther, who drove down the middle and hit the ball 20 yards out to the goal.
Gotham FC continued to attack in the second half. In the 62nd minute, Esther found Stengel on the left side, and Stengel turned the ball back to Esther at the top of the box. The Spanish forward slotted the ball into the goal at his near post.
Gotham's winning goal came in the 73rd minute when a Louisville defender scored an own goal after O'Hara played a dangerous ball into the box.
The team is scheduled to return for the 2024 NWSL Challenge Cup against San Diego Wave FC on March 15th at Red Bull Arena.