NJ/NY Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle was the game-changer with her 62nd-minute goal, lifting Gotham to a 2-1 victory over Angel City FC (3-6-2, 11 points) at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey on Saturday morning.
Squared at one-to-one, Lavelle’s nifty footwork inside the box gave way to her second goal of the season, set up by an assist from midfielder Delanie Sheenan. Gotham (6-2-3, 21 points) continues to stack wins in the early part of the season, remaining unbeaten since April 20th, with five wins and two draws in that stretch.
Angel City had equalized the game in the 51st minute with Clarrise Le Bihan’s long-range shot outside the box that found the bottom of the left corner. Ultimately, Angel City’s inconsistent ability to capitalize on opportunities, with six shots at goal, handed the team their third loss in four games.
The team’s last win was on May 3rd.
Outside of Angel City’s one goal, the quick instincts of Gotham’s goalkeeper, Ann-Kartin Berger, played a vital role in New York’s success. With five saves in Saturday’s win, Berger’s firm presence on the backend was instrumental in maintaining Gotham’s lead against Angel City’s ten total shots.
Crystal Dunn started the day with her first goal in a Gotham jersey in the 26th minute, providing the early momentum for New York.
Next, Angel City FC hits the road again to face the Houston Dash (3-6-3, 12 points) on Saturday, June 15th, at 6:30 p.m. With Houston sitting one spot ahead of Angel City at 10th place, a win next Saturday will be pivotal for the team to climb up the standings.
