NWSL NJ/NY Gotham FC

Gotham FC to Face North Carolina Courage at Red Bull Arena on Saturday, April 22

April 21, 2023 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release


NJ/NY Gotham FC in the huddle
NJ/NY Gotham FC in the huddle
(NJ/NY Gotham FC)

HARRISON, N.J. - NJ/NY Gotham FC is gearing up for the club's fourth match of the 2023 NWSL regular season, as they host the North Carolina Courage on Saturday, April 22 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. (7:30 p.m. ET, Paramount+ / MSG).

Last Saturday, Gotham FC earned a 2-0 road victory over the Orlando Pride in a regular season match at Exploria Stadium. After a scoreless first half, Gotham FC was awarded a penalty kick 10 minutes into stoppage time and forward Midge Purce scored what became the latest goal in NWSL history. Gotham FC added a second goal seven minutes later, when forward Lynn Williams overtook that brand-new record to seal the win.

In addition, Gotham FC is coming off a 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit in the opening match of the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup. Returning to regular season action this weekend, Gotham FC is looking to carry the momentum into Saturday with a strong performance for their home fans.

Gotham FC Storylines

Williams Record Watch: 59 Goals

Williams' goal on April 15 against Orlando Pride was the 59th goal of her NWSL career. That tally ties her with Christine Sinclair for second-most goals in NWSL history.

Williams has also scored three goals in four matches so far this season across all NWSL competitions. She is also the first player to have goals assisted by both Sam and Kristie Mewis in NWSL play.

Better Late Than Never

Both of the goals scored by Gotham FC on April 15 against Orlando Pride set NWSL records. First, Purce's goal in the 90+10 minute (99:53) set the record for the latest NWSL regular season goal to ever be scored, but it was later broken by Williams in the 90+17 minute (106:45) of the match.

Williams also holds the record for latest goal in an NWSL playoff game after she scored in the 124th minute for Western New York Flash against Washington Spirit in the 2016 NWSL Final.

"I think that shows the drive of this team," said Williams. "Even Midge (Purce) getting the latest goal shows that we're not going to just go for a tie. We're not going to give up on it if we're down. We're just going to continue to play. I think then going again is just like a dagger."

On the contrary, Gotham FC also holds the record for fastest goal scored in the NWSL when Raquel Rodríguez scored for Sky Blue FC just 24 seconds into the match on June 17, 2017.

Game-Winning Record

Purce's goal also marked the latest game-winning goal in NWSL regular season history at 99:53.

Purce on the Rise

Purce's April 15 goal also put her in second place for the club record watch of most goals scored. Purce has a tally of 17 goals, following behind Sam Kerr with 28 goals.

Second-Half Scoring

All four of Gotham FC's regular season goals have come in the second half. The first goal came during the season-opener on March 26 against Angel City FC, when Midge Purce scored a penalty kick in the 56th minute, with Lynn Williams following in the 65th minute. Next, Gotham FC followed suit during their April 15 match against the Orlando Pride. Midge Purce scored the game-winning penalty kick in the 90+10 minute, and Lynn Williams followed with a goal in the 90+17 minute.

Stellar Season Starts

Five teams have won two of their first three matches in a single season for the first time in NWSL history. The teams are NJ/NY Gotham FC, OL Reign, Portland Thorns, San Diego Wave, and Washington Spirit.

Penalty Kicks

Gotham FC has scored on their last six penalties awarded in NWSL play, last failing to score on April 20, 2019 against the Houston Dash.

Head To Head

Overall, Gotham FC and North Carolina Courage have a 4-4-8 record across all regular season matchups. Gotham FC is looking to pick up a win after falling to North Carolina in three of their four meetings in all competitions last season.

Check out the NJ/NY Gotham FC Statistics




Images from this story

NJ/NY Gotham FC in the huddle
NJ/NY Gotham FC in the huddle
   



National Women's Soccer League Stories from April 21, 2023


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