Gary Gibson
soccerovergotham@gmail.com
Gotham FC needs 3 points at home this Easter if they want to stay in the running to move on in the challenge cup. This is a tall task given the opponent. Last years champions, the Washington Spirit are returning most of their starters and their young squad's confidence must be running high given their recent National team call-ups. Never the less, Red Bull Arena is not an easy place to come to and get points off of a veteran squad in Gotham who are looking to finally start clicking offensively. Here are three things we're looking at for this matchup.
By the numbers:
You would have to go back to April 2019, and before that August 2017 to find a matchup between these two teams that ended separated by more than 1 goal. 3 of the last 4 games ended in draws. 2 of those three 0-0 draws. These games are always close and in close games like these it is usually the team that makes the least mistakes that comes out ahead. 1 or two moments will determine the winner of this one. Washington is unbeaten in their last 5 away games and Gotham is unbeaten in their last 5 home games. Lastly, Washington has picked up 2 red cards in the last 3 games against Gotham.
Matchup of the Game:
Imani Dorsey vs Trinity Rodman. Trinity is a young superstar. Coming off of an impressive rookie campaign and national team call-ups, the sky is the limit. Not much has stood in the way of Trinity reaching her goals. That is, except Imani Dorsey. Imani is often the smartest player on the pitch and takes up great positions. Trinity has scored against Gotham. But it was on a play where she switched sides and cut in from opposite side of the field. Imani's continued dominance will go a long way in slowing down that lethal Washington attack.
Who will be Gotham's DM pairing?
Ashley Sanchez is another burgeoning superstar. Washington's offense goes through her. Gotham minus Allie Long has not been the same squad as far as being able to dictate play switching points of attack. Who is going to be the pairing be to slow down the Washington attack? It's been a bit puzzling so far of the lack of minutes of Jennifer Cudjoe. Captain Zerboni has had the lion share of minutes so far but rookie Taryn Torres shows a ton of potential. Washington offers two problems for defensive midfielders to solve. First the defensive midfielder has to take up great positions and put a lot of bite into their tackles to keep Sanchez off balance. Secondly, Washington is attempting to be a pressing team. Meaning the ability to quickly find outlet passes and play long diagonal balls out of the pressure. Cudjoe can do both of those. The best way to solve these problems would be a Cudjoe and Torres pairing. But we assume that Captain Zerboni is going to be paired up with Torres.
Everything points to a draw here. A 0-0 or 1-1 nail biting draw here. Let's hope we get and Easter surprise and Gotham comes away with a 2-1 victory.
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