Gotham FC Closes Out Challenge Cup Group Stage with a 1-1 Draw

photo from Gotham FC

New Jersey/New York Gotham FC returned to Red Bull Arena for the final match in the group stage of the 2022 Challenge Cup. With six points and a -3 goal differential in the group stage, Gotham will have a chance to regroup before the regular season begins in May.

Power from the Start

Both teams roared out of the gate with advances on goal in the first five minutes of the match. An early injury for Orlando Pride's Gunnhildur Yrsa Jónsdóttir paused the game. Undeterred, Jónsdóttir scored the opening goal of the match in the 10th minute. Her glancing header from a corner kick blasted past Gotham GK Ashlyn Harris. Another corner in the 17th minute was cleared by the Gotham defense. Forwards Paige Monaghan and Ifeoma Onumonu made runs on goal, but to no avail. When Monaghan was brought down in the box in the 40th minute, an emphatic crowd demanded a call from the head referee. Calls were answered for a different takedown just before stoppage, which led to Kristie Mewis converting from the spot to open the scoring for the home team. Onumonu and Monaghan nearly paired up for the go-ahead goal in stoppage time, but the teams went to the tunnel on level terms.

Dominant but Incomplete

Gotham FC came out ready to battle for all the points at the start of the second half. They maintained possession, stringing together passes and forcing turnovers. Nearing the hour mark, the Gotham attack went into high gear, putting Orlando ‘keeper Kaylie Collins to work. Collins was credited with three total saves on the night. Although the Pride were able to make a threat on goal, Harris was able to make the block. Gotham continued to keep things in their favor, with the ball staying in the attacking third, with Monaghan, Onumonu and Kumi Yokoyama each threatening a goal. Midfielder Caprice Dydasco shone in the right channel, breaking up play and sending the ball forward. But the barrage of shots, 16 total, were largely off frame. The Gotham bench as well as the crowd groaned when the likes of Mewis, Cameron Tucker, and Delanie Sheehan could not find the back of the net. The final whistle blew, and the scoreline was still level.

Three Takeaways

There is still nothing like a live match. Every time Gotham thundered down the field, the crowd swelled. The person watching at home can’t possibly get that.
It can be frustrating to see a team unable to finish their chances. But there is clear potential for Gotham FC to clean up any issues in front of goal. Then the standings will look very different during the regular season.
Both Gotham FC and the Orlando Pride are done with the Challenge Cup. They will both be able to use what they learned when they meet again for the regular season May 1st.

Comments

Red Bulls Acquire Midfielder Frankie Amaya from FC Cincinnati

photo by Matt Kremkau The rumors have become reality as Frankie Amaya has become a New York Red Bulls player. The news comes after Amaya signs a new deal with New York following a trade from FC Cincinnati for $500 thousand in allocation money this season and $450 thousand in 2022. "We are very pleased to complete this deal," said Director of Sport Kevin Thelwell. "Frankie is a player we've watched closely, and we are confident that his skills and attributes are a good fit for our philosophy and style of play. We look forward to getting him into our environment and achieving success together in the years ahead." The 20 year-old midfielder was the first overall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft and played in 40 total games for FC Cincinnati, scoring one goal over that time. Amaya was also a major part of the US Men's National Team U20's Concacaf Championship win in 2018. The potential is there and his age and ability match the direction New York has taken o...

Tolkin and Edelman Called into Olympic Camp

photo by Matt Kremkau by Anthony J. Merced New York Red Bulls homegrown players John Tolkin and Daniel Edelman have been called into the US Olympic training camp ahead of friendlies later in the month. Tolkin, 21 years-old, has been called into Gregg Berhalter's camps in the past while Edelman will be making his first trip to the national level. Tolkin, now entering his fifth year as a New York Red Bulls player, has experience with the national team going all the way back to 2018 with the US Under 17 team. In 2023, he played four games for the Under 23 team and four games for the main national team as well. While he isn't a first choice pick yet, Tolkin's consistency hasn't gone unnoticed by US Soccer scouts and another solid showing could see him inch closer to a starting position. For Edelman it will be is first selection to such a camp. His experience with the Under 20's was extensive as he helped the team win the U20 Concacaf Championship in 2022. That tournamen...

Editorial: New York Red Bulls are Fun to Watch

photo by Matt Kremkau by Daniel Feuerstein The New York Red Bulls 2024 season starts off and running. In their first three matches, they have looked different from their last five to six seasons of doom and despair when trying to attack or have a lapse in judgment on the defensive end. The two big editions for the club are undoubtedly the imports from Sweden in Centerback Noah Elle & attacking midfielder Emil Forsberg. Two players who are a part of the Swedish National Team have started off well in Major League Soccer. We all knew what we were getting right away from Forsberg. A high-energy creative and attacking midfielder who was already bought in from day one, when Director of Sport Jochen Schneider went to Leipzig and brought him over. He was already committed to making the trip to the United States to play his brand of soccer, and so far he hasn't disappointed. Even though he has come close three times off of free kicks, hitting the crossbar twice and being saved by the ke...

Red Bull News Network

Search This Blog