LOS ANGELES — Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle scored one goal in a route to NJ/NY Gotham FC (9-3-4) a two to one victory over Angel City FC (4-9-3) Saturday night at BMO Stadium. Gotham FC completes the two-game season sweep of Angel City, winning both matches two to one.
In the Olympic send-match for Angel City FC, the Olympians showed up in significant fashion for Gotham FC. Lavelle, a midfielder for the 2024 U.S. women’s national team, displayed nifty footwork and pin-point shot precession to start the scoring for Gotham FC in the 16th minute. The 29-year-old midfielder is a seasoned U.S. women’s national team midfielder who has appeared in 100 games for the national team.
Gotham FC and U.S. national teammate Crystal Dunn assisted Lavelle’s 16th-minute goal.
Gotham FC midfielder Delanie Sheehan added to the lead, tapping in her first goal of the NWSL season in the 40th minute, assisted by forward Ella Stevens. Heading into halftime, Gotham FC had all the momentum, leading two scores to zero.
Backs against the wall, Angel City FC got a golden chance with a penalty in the 69th minute. Forward Claire Emsile received the green light and capitalized on her opportunity, finding the back of the net. Yet, it was too little too late for Angel City.
Angel City FC had early opportunities, yet their season-long finishing issues continued. Angel City finished the game with 11 shots but managed only to get two on target.
“Goal scoring is a confidence thing,” head coach Becki Tweed said. “My job is to instill that confidence in the players.”
In celebration of Angel City’s Olympic send-off, the team honored captain Ali Riley. The 36-year-old defender is headed to her fifth Olympic games as the New Zealand women’s national team captain.
“This is a special one because it will likely be my last,” Riley said. “I feel very grateful to the coaching staff at Angel City and New Zealand for selecting me.”
Angel City is on a seven-week hiatus as the Olympic break begins in the NWSL. While there will be no NWSL games for a month, Angel City FC will compete in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup.
To begin the group stage, Angel City FC will face Club América on July 20th at 7:00 p.m., hosted at Titan Stadium in Fullerton, CA.
