overview:
New Jersey/New York Gotham FC continued its slow start Saturday afternoon.
Gotham FC forward Katie Stengel (28) fights for the ball with Washington Spirit forward Ashley Hatch (33). (Jeff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)
WASHINGTON, DC – New Jersey/New York Gotham FC continued its slow start Saturday afternoon.
The defending National Women's Soccer League champions lost to the Washington Spirit 2-0.
Tenth-place Gotham FC (four points) fell to 1-2-1, while first-place Spirit (12 points) improved to 4-1-0.
Croix Bethune and Ashley Hatch scored on either side of halftime.
“I'm surprised we didn't live up to our potential in this game,” Gotham FC forward Lynn Williams said. “I think we can go back to square one and see what we did wrong.'' I don’t want to talk about it.”
Maitane added. “I feel like we have to come together as a team this week and try to get a win next week.”
Defender Tierna Davidson was injured during the match and was replaced in the 21st minute by Sam Hiatt. Davidson is a candidate to partner Naomi Girma at centre-back at this summer's Paris Olympics.
“This is soccer,” Maitan said. “Unfortunately, things like this happen. We had it in our heads that we were grieving for her, but we had to keep moving and keep playing the game. So we had to keep Sam going.” He just stepped in and helped me stay in a good mental state and continue playing.”
In the 41st minute, Bethune found space in the middle of the field and the Spirit found the back of the net, where she took a warm-up touch and fired a long-range shot past goalkeeper Kathy Miller and into the near post.
The hosts scored again in the 70th minute with Hatch's penalty after handball was identified in the box by VAR.