NWSL 2024. NJ/NY Gotham FC vs Portland Thorns FC (Aug 24)

FC hosting Portland Thorn FC as the nwsl returns following the Olympic Break from Red Bull Arena and a great matchup the last two nwsl regular season Champions meet today as Gotham FC hosts Portland Thoren Matt Peterson with Renee Washington we look at the table Orlando extended its record unbeaten straight to 18 games with the win last night over Houston Dash yeah and now you have a number of teams that are still playing catchup including Gotham and Portland face in off today trying to see who can continue to secure that top spot in the standings it's a fight in these final 10 games of the regular season for teams to see if they can get some points and climb the ranks Portland and Gotham separated by Four Points it's the second meeting of the Season Gotham won the first back in March now Gotham with some work to do to climb the table it's very competitive at the top and these teams fighting for playoff position trying to chase down Orlando Kansas City and Washington and so much has changed since these two faced off week one Gotham's won six of their last eight games though in terms of regular season play which has really tremendous tremendously helped them jump the table and secure that four spot Portland's been dealing with some injuries and some other issues that have caused them to drop some results recently where you look at how they finished out the regular season play so coming at this break interesting to see how they look to reset a great scene inside Red Bull Arena in Harrison New Jersey e e The Anthem has been sung and we are set for kickoff Gotham FC and Portland Thorns here is the lineup for Gotham FC Under second-year head coach Juan Carlos amoros The 40-Year-Old Spaniard last year's coach of the year and some of the Olympians are back not available seven Olympians are back but several are injured or unavailable but it's still a very good team put out with Stevens Ester and single up top yeah and as you mentioned those Olympians bronze medalist and Katrina Burger in between the pipes you've got also Emily son and Jenna nicewonger off a winning gold and then Jess Carter making her regular season debut made her team debut Monday in that match against Chelsea her former team and now gets her debut at Center back tonight or today I should say for Gotham meanwhile for Portland Doren under Rob Gil you talked about the turnaround for both these teams 82 and two since he took over as the the interim head coach No Sophia Smith or Sam coffee today but it's still a very good team Alexa spaner gets her first start she joined from Kansas City in a trade on Monday and part of that trade was the departure of Janine Becky yeah and for Portland they do have one of their Olympians and Jesse Fleming in the Midfield as well uh they've got to run a lot through Olivia mol Christine Sinclair especially down the middle looking to combine and get forward and then Shelby Hogan gets a started net alongside Becky Saun and who Center back should be two of their leaders for their defensive unit getting into this match the teams in their final huddles Gotham trying to continue its summer success they will face off with Kansas City current in October in the summer Cup Final will be held in San Antonio but they had great success three wins in a draw they beat Angel City Chas and Washington before drawing with Chicago oh Portland different results in the summer cup they beat tiwan a 5 nothing but lost 3-1 to Utah Royals before beating Seattle one to nothing we have Gotham last year's regular season Champion now in contention for multiple trophies you have the summer cup the shield and of course the nwsl championship yeah and as you even talked through the success Gotham didn't even give a a goal in their entire summer cup run to the finals they're a team that's trending in the right direction as men with them winning six of their last eight they had won just one game in their first five of regular season play but outscored opponents 13 to five to go into the break with some great momentum and continue that Portland hasn't had that success after having that six-game winning streak which was a league record we were watching the historic moment as it unfolded since then just two wins in their last six outings of regular season play they've really been trying to put the pieces together scoring goals but also giving up a lot more goals as of late in regular season outings Alysa Nichols is the referee Christine Sinclair the start tonight our ninth start of the Season here we go from New Jersey Gotham's in blue Portland's in red Renee Washington what are you watching for early in this one well I'm intrigued with how Gotham's lining up especially up top having stangle Stevens and aair three players that typically like to play more Central as a n and for them what does that look like are they going to be interchanging are they going to be the players that are a bit more Compact and maybe it's a yasine Ryan or Jenna nicewonger and even bernia overlapping and how is how is their shape going to set out so I'm intrigued to see that and then for Portland just how they're looking on the road to kick off the reset of the stretch back in regular season play how do they set the tempo early a good win in midfields so much has changed as you mentioned from the last meeting in March a one- nothing win for Gotham here's son it back on the ball a big piece for the gold medal winning United States side in Paris last month in the end six out of the 18 player roster for the United States calls Gotham home for club soccer remarkable for Juan Carlos amoros it is very impressive when you see how Gotham has built this team it started last season on their route to winning the NW Championship but it's continued this year as well and they've had so many great additions as you mentioned with the Olympians they added and then you add on top of that a player in Jess Carter that's won five times in the WSL you know this is a really stacked unit and uh it's going to be interesting to see how they gel together they won last year's championship and then had great success in free agency on the likes of Crystal Don Ros level and tia Davidson as free agents Emily saw it as well so you bring in these stars to join last year's championship winning team it's been good success for Juan Carlos amorro second year in charge he started out out in the league with Houston Dash engineered the worst to First turnaround last season after time with real Bettis and totam Hots spur 18 rures for Gotham eight of those 18 played in the World Cup last year it is remarkable to see Matt the way that teams have been bolstering their roster to try to fill in some areas of need I mean 12 of the teams across the League made some moves during this summer break in terms of roster Acquisitions and we saw a number of players that are finding a new home so now in the final stretch it's also going to be fun to watch how these teams settle in with their new identity of like fine-tuning some areas and looking to see if they can bolster up a run for the playoffs well said even the teams at the top or Lando bringing home Carson picket a two-time best 11 selection from Louisville Louisville was very active Portland active as well they brought in Alexa spaner she starts today in her first game with her new team as that's deflected towards the goal and it's handled there at the back by Shelby Hogan has started every game this season six shutouts there's Juan Carlos amoros the Spaniard went from Houston to Gotham and won the championship in his very first season yeah it's been quite a story for this Gotham team and they haven't had all the pieces together healthy I mean nobody has in this league that's part of it it's the depth it's that next play upup mentality help back the pawn and there's a shot over the bar EST stair had an option there that's a very broken possession that Gotham was able to create something out of you take here nice wer finds Delaney Shen who was able to play it across to a stair and a stair working along Ella Stevens hooks it a little bit too much you could see on this shot here I think she got her hips around it too much anticipating possibly a Defender to step tighter but she actually had an open space to be able to split the Defenders to get a clean shot on Shelby Hogan on net think she just put a little bit too much mustard on that one two goals two assists on the season for a St Westar Spain and now Hogan well off her line to build here with Becky SAU BR a Portland busy in the summer transfer window Alexis spaner BR and scored a great goal in the women's cup her final game with Kansas City as it turned out rayan Turner as well from racing [Music] Louisville Sal all the way back lot of speed soft back pass here and Hogan handles it well raan Turner is available Off the Bench he was traded on Wednesday the McKenzie Arnold the goalkeeper came over from West Ham United had a great World Cup last year with Australia four clean sheets now pushing Shelby Hogan as well Bella X be on maternity leave but it seems like this league is loaded with so many quality goalkeepers that's wide left on this near sideline rinia the Brazilian into Stevens back for nicewonger the gold medalist in the starting lineup she and Sonic boat start for Gotham Gotham doing a lot of interchanging as you saw brunia and Jenna nicewonger both on that left sideline that's her two outside backs working together on the near sideline so just you see early on some interchanging in their runs and movement so just you see early on some interchanging in their runs and movement there's nice wer good pressure in midfields from Fleming it's a long buildup here from Gotham SAU brunt into the challenge throw incoming there's Becky S runes we in the arm band today beruna to the back post excellent ball and it's a headed goal Ella Stevens off an Exquisite delivery from the Brazilian brunin one nothing Gotham beautiful start to play for Gotham just The Possession the patience really of working it around and not being on the first time recycling runs and even with having the interchanging movement of brunia and Jenna nicewonger on that left side it clearly played out very well as Shelby Hogan's trying to talk things over with Portland not the start you one if you're Portland exactly the start you one for the home team you look here it's the outside backs combining again nice wer and Beria bernia good job shifting serving surveying and finding Stevens who is able to just help it along towards goal a beautiful driven ball like that bending towards goal you don't have to do much just help it on and that's exactly what Ella Stevens does you see here does a great job extending out jumping Becky sour run in the Portland back line to get there first and a put Gotham on the scoreboard first that's quite a way to kick off the return back to regular season play six goals on the season in 14 appearances good return for Ella Stevens at her first season with Gotham and for Beria that's her first assist in her 15th appearance as she makes her starts how do the Thorns respond push forward here with taquilla Raina Rees open Garland Texas before playing in Alabama a Mexican father American mother she plays for the Mexico National team here's Fleming and it's very important for Portland as they are without so Smith and Sam coffee today both coming back from the Olympics gold medalists of how can they sustain possession as we look again at this beautiful goal great service great finish as brunia as you get a great angle from behind the net as well able to pick out some players you love the fact that Gotham got numbers into the box as stair Stevens you had runners hitting the different marks to be able to finish that chance and that's just a well executed play and buildup I was wondering if uh Gotham at some point was going to reset a lot of teams out of position you'd see them scrambling and navy brunia making this long run across the pitch but the best way to reset is to score a goal and have time to reset off of the whistle all the way back to Hogan we talked about the free agents that came over including Emily Sonet TI Davidson rose lavel crystal dun but you can Addis Stevens did that the first few years in the league with Chicago she signed in January now she leads the team with six goals and this is a team loaded with players like Lyn Williams Crystal Dunn MCH Pur tore her ACL in March who was the championship game MVP last year with two assists so it's a bit of a surprise at Ellis Stevens leading score at this point of the Season given the star Talent on this Gotham side yeah as you mentioned with the goals by L St and she's a big part of that success they've had recently in regular season play a wide left here for Portland Thorn nice dribbling this shot is past the far post more of a cross than a shot in the end that's Alexis spaner as we see robale interesting as he replaced Mike Norris he was an assisting coach moved to the interim head coach job Mike Norris moved to the technical director Ro all this reshuffling made by Karina LeBlanc the GM and president of thorn FC Soccer operations Thorn win it back but it's worked out for the best 82 and two are the Thorns since Gil took over and as you mentioned six straight wins before falling at Orlando in late May and that's really been what's kept Portland high up in the standings was that six game winning streak they haven't been able to put it together as of late and you see even here there's some disconnection in their buildup they are doing a good job High pressing defensively right now to lock Gotham in and it has been difficult for Gotham through Anin Berger and their back lines to build out of their back space but once Portland wins it they've got to make sure they're now keeping it and making Gotham chase a little bit although we back to bger one of the Stars at the Olympics she had the penalty staves and her own penalty conversion to beat Canada in The Knockout stages and then she had what we would call a walk-off penalty save in the bronze medal match against Spain nice to have that moment to celebrate with your teammates you know you're going to win a bronze medal yeah and Burger's really emerged well as you talk about the goalkeeping talent across this league she's one of them she's had a shutout streak of her own when she's joined this team and has really been a a great piece to watch her Evolution with Gotham here's Katie stingle back to the end line on her left foot good delivery at the near Po and it's covered up there by Shelby Hogan well done there by Katie stangle working out wide just didn't really have a great angle to be able to drive that across and Shelby Hogan able to cut that angle off and get there first to make that save very easy one to allow Portland to get out the other way stangle a veteran of this league join the nwsl 2016 with Washington stops in Boston Utah Houston good run of goals with Liverpool about a goal every other game and now under second season with Gotham there are some of the gold medal winners sopia Smith Sam coffee players around the league have been rocking there we said now not never shirts going along with the CDA announcement now big news this week what are your thoughts on the new CBA I think it's historic it's tremendous for the growth of the league there's going to be some wrinkles that need to be ironed out of course is with everything but I think that it's a really great way for the players to have more involvement more ownership and SA in their careers as well as just to provide I think some better relationship building between teams and players in the direction that the league wants to go to just make the process of acquiring players in the league or even from outside the league more seamless for those unaware in our Global audience CBA work for collective bargaining agreement the league and its players union agreed to a historic agreement just a few days ago no more nwsl draft which was used to bring college players from North America into the league in a Equitable fashion where the worst team from the previous season would pick first in reverse order to help distribute the college Talent now guaranteed contracts unrestricted free agency and one of the goals is to align to Global standards around the league the free agency will start July I one next year midseason yeah also an opportunity for more chartered flights and then the players have to agree on any trade as that cross comes in again just to put things in context for the international audience we'll get there in a moment good step from shean that clipped to the back post slightly overhead intended for Katie stengle and it's a goal [Applause] kick that's great hustle on that endline Izzy dequilla and Jenna nicewonger working them both get there first ends up being a goal kick as you take a look at this buildup again it starts with Jess Carter to nicewonger who plays a nice swinging ball in behind SAR Brun just picks it out to read it but it's Delany shien who does a great job of stepping to win that ball back to keep it alive and reset another service opportunity and stangle nearly on the receiving end of it it's that patience that we saw that led to the the first goal that we've been seeing from Gotham these opening 15 minutes of just working the ball around that if it's not on resetting recycling to you're po about the CBA I do enjoy the all the different areas that they addressed whether it's the child care and parental support the fact they're going to be increasing the salaries in terms of the minimum salary moving forward with a near doubling of what minimum salaries will be by 2030 and then also with even unrestricted fre which this year kicks in September 1st compared to July 1st in the future gives players more of that involvement in where they're headed and makes it more like a recruiting process versus just a business as we always say with sports sports are a business well the nwsl is making a little bit more of a partnership great touch there from Sinclair off the pass from sugita here comes Reyes joining on this right side for balls into Sinclair long touch from the Canadian Legends that's a nice job by Portland you saw the difference there of them even just having numbers and better gaps that they got into unfortunate on that heavy Touch by Christine Sinclair immediately gives a thumbs up that's one you'd like to have back as you look at this it starts on the left side and then the patience you see different runs look at all the different Portland players making runs to be an option a quick pass in by Sig and then you're working out from Sinclair out wide to Reyes you've got four players in the Box you've got one up top that's how you have to continue to attack attack for Portland to be able to get as they're looking to get that equalizer Sinclair 76 goals in all competitions in her nwsl career three behind the league record under some pressure here and just to put things in context as we talked about for a non-north American audience watching on this world feed in the North American Pro Sports men and women it's very common to be a team wants to move the player they're under contract player really doesn't have a choice they have to go sometimes in some of the leagues if you're a veteran you've played enough Years you'll add what's called a no trade clause but for a younger player that doesn't have a no trade clause a team wants to send you out you don't really have a choice that's been the case in the nwsl since its Inception but with the new CBA a player will have to agree to a trade I like it I mean I was just a part of uh around the Major League Baseball all trade deadline and players are getting traded mid game getting pulled out of the Dugout and in so many sport in every sport you see that happen often where we hear these horror stories of players in the middle of a game in a in a warmup whatever it may be or even just hanging with their family and getting told pack your stuff you're headed to ex destination sometimes a completely different part of the country oh yeah go switch time zones and go to the east coast from the west or vice versa good possibility here for Gotham nice turn and hit and it's saved really methodical buildup there from Gotham Katy stangle turning this onto her left foot yeah you look here it actually starts on the defensive side that pass picked off that Shelby Hogan was looking to play forward Stevens the sheen the stangle who does a good job trying to turn and just get enough on that shot you see her working up against hubly back to goal didn't really have a good angle on that shot a little different of an attack for for Gotham not in the wide space as they were able to attack that was a bit more direct off of the forced turnover a Sangle no goals this season 12 appearances today's her seventh start in her career 14 goals in the nwsl Olivia mol tre's back from injury injury before the Olympic break here's Rees in possession Rees with the Mexico senior national team since 2021 you think about the draft she was the number five overall pick out of 20 in the 23 drafts the draft no longer I think that's one of the biggest changes just for the fans to really understand as the draft is so common in North American Sports that shots deflected off for a corner Sophia Smith at one point was the number one overall pick saw Ali Sor last night with Utah number one pick out of North Carolina she'll be the last number one pick in the very last draft and you went back to college with recruiting we're going to see that now with the nwsl teams as we see this replay yeah and this all comes off of a Mis clearance by nicewonger that Alexis vaner was able to win in work up against brunia setting up for this corner kick Portland continues to do a good job of just putting the pressure on Gotham and they're it's allowing them to win the ball in higher spaces up the field mry from the corner it's a free header but it was not off the forehead there of taquilla missed opportunity there at the near post that was a strong delivery for mtry yeah I think mtry has to get more involved um as his game progresses such a creative talented midfielder for Portland I think they're going to want to play through her a bit more to see if they can also just control possession the way we're seeing Gotham do right now very impressive buildup to the high press of Portland here played in front of yasine Ryan throw in coming quickly to your point about the draft I think the direction as the players alluded to was knowing you're not just getting college players as new roster pieces you're getting players from college you're getting younger players now as well International Players so the draft almost limits the league and the teams and as well as the players of the options that they have versus just opening up that you can now attract players from all over and be a bit more Hands-On in the recruiting son across the back with Jess Carter over hit that time into the hands to Shelby Hogan Hogan signed with Portland in February and you rarely see that a player signing that late in the preseason becoming the number one she's had a great season she really has and between her Bella bxby you know Portland has great goalkeeping Shelby Hogan's been very consistent good hands does a good job cutting down the Angles and also you see her very involved in directing or even just being an option for them as we're seeing right now I think she's going to be an option for them and she is there's Jesse Fleming good work from Sinclair with their back to goal Raina Rees well weighted ball it's to the back post headed out corner kick coming but the offside flag was up so no corner kick offside against Portland that was a good buildup for Portland this time working it through taking their time and the key was they were able to find through their Midfield as well getting their team involved so now as you're attacking you have numbers forward it's unfortunate that final run by isqua was offside but you did see them able to get their midfielders up get their even Raina Reyes get her high up the pitch get your backs joining into the attack as well so you can attack with better numbers L she had 50th regular season appearance of her career anchoring that midfields Carter Center back partner Emily son it both Internationals Carter many caps for England for 150 appearances for Chelsea and EMES players player of the year last season quite a coup from Chelsea to Gotham for Juan Carlos amoros harder on the ball here yeah and Juan Carlos mentioned that Jess Carter is one of the best players in the world he spoke so highly of her and what she adds to this team the international experience the success the Championships the pedigree that she brings and they already are a team that's very tough to score on defensively they are top in the league in a number of defensive categories second best in goals conceded and you add Jess Carter to that mix of an already very organized stingy defense it's a lot for uh a lot to digest cross from the right is an excellent one and makes it all the way to the back post with Stevens stingle was Central in that moment little self pass there nice wer gets there cleared right towards the spot and the shot is cleared by Becky sabun another chance and this one is covered up by Shelby Hogan stingle very active here in the first 30 minutes very and Gotham just attacking and droves you look at that play it starts on the right side with the turn by yasine Ryan is there to pick it up this service goes all the way through almost touched by stangle there and as Stevens is trying to work one V one that ended up working out well even though she wasn't able to get to that that pass herself to nicewonger and it just felt like every time Portland tried to clear it out on that play Gotham was right there the shopy stangle the shop by Yasmin Ryan Just In Waves they were attacking in that possession excellent buildup beautiful soccer here from Gotham nice swonger oh nice recovery from SAU Brun but it's so clinical One Touch quickly up the fields yeah this team has definitely been putting in the work can you look at even a match like the one Monday versus Chelsea that they dropped 3-1 those types of games playing against a top team in Chelsea that plays a different style and brain of soccer you didn't get the results you wanted but you can see how they are learning through all of these moments just very clinical as you mentioned of quick possession and being on the same Page Long throw in here corner Ki now for Gotham last Touch by Olivia mtry as Stevens was contesting that she was the goal scorer now the leading score for Gotham is six on the season she's only started nine times Burger comes all the way up to midfields very crowded inside the six-yard box and slightly over hit that's good news for Hogan who could not quite get there y Meine Ryan play the TCU grew up in Norman Oklahoma 14th start of the Season tonight thorens right now are doing everything they can to try to break up and disrupt the attack that Gotham is bringing but right now Gotham is beating them to a number 50-50s and having the better of play and ter trying to chase down Becky SAU Brun s wins a throw in she look like a center Central midfielder there picking over her shoulder right and left waiting for an option before she touch the ball definitely you see right now for Gotham the interchanging of as we at least I know I was curious of what they would look like with this front three it's more of a front two of Yasmine Ryan getting out wide on one side and as they're dropping more in the Midfield as well as having Katie stangle just kind of drift around I think that's causing some problems for Portland that it's not the same front three every time it's a lot of interchanging and just fluidity to how they're progressing spaner committed the fou against a stair Jasmine Ryan standing over this a nice wer as well nice wer the Rookie of the Year last season best 11 second te first here out of Florida State excellent ball to the back post and it stingle header into the hands of again when stangle joined this team last summer we weren't sure if it was temporary or for a permanent addition and this is why she's a player that they wanted to be able to keep and lock in has been getting on the other end of a lot of services to start off this game does a good job she's great in the air of not only winning it but also being able to control her whether it's a header a volley whatever it may be you just saw that exactly type of skill set on the receiving end of of that service by Jenna nicewonger Sonet really crafty there from nicewonger Jasmine Ryan excellent Vision B shean deflected shot Rey is clears pretty dominant first 30 minutes for Gotham it absolutely is as you see consistently everybody really getting forward Jess Carter Emily son the only ones really staying back they're getting so many numbers forward doing a good job stretching the field and as we head into a hydration break it's a good time for both these teams to be able to only get a quick drink since it is a warm day today but be able to talk things talk things over well here is the table Orlando unbeaten this season you add the last game of the regular season last year makes 18 a new league record 18 straight regular season games unbeaten they won one nothing last night at Houston the dash have now gone six straight regular season games without scoring you also had Utah Royals winning last night an important 2-1 win over Bay FC so that team with some important midseason editions including laass and Tanaka they look like a little sleeper down in the 13th position but ready to make a second half search well that's the thing if you break the standings up by group that eight and under uh standings wise they're all fighting for those final playoff spots we know 18s get in this season for the first time ever and they're all close from 18 of bay FC all the way down to 11 for Seattle that's a very close margin and then even a game like this one today as Gotham and Washington are tied for Points Washington faces Kansas City tomorrow so there's a lot of jockeying for points right now in positioning and don't be fooled Orlando is not fully out of the hairs yet 41 points uh has them sitting pretty in first but every game is that much more important Matt in terms of positioning getting a playoff spot and seeing how you can get three points on the day Alexis spaner played at Virginia grew up in Brighton Michigan traded from Kansas City to Portland on Monday Janine Becky goes to racing Louisville a separate trade but has similar positions Wingers for Portland she scored a great goal in the women's Cup against pomalo Sundowns out of South Africa as we see two of the gold medalist Sam coffee Sophia Smith yeah I know GM and president of soccer operations Corel Blanc was mentioning how much Alexa is going to be able to add to what these two bring to the team and coffee and Smith of another player that has the ability to score can can work to be able to make good runs stretch a back line and also someone that adds some more depth to their unit as they attack and just brings an attacking prowess that will play nicely alongside their attacking core we have seen Alexa be one of the more prominent players today for Portland and more dangerous ones and so although this team may not be in full strength quite yet they are getting a good taste of what Alexa can bring to this attack as they progress forward through the season spaner was in her second season with Kansas City Kansas City current picked her number 10 overall in the 2023 draft she had a golden assist in the regular season and 10 appearances with Kansas City this is pull back good stretch there from Becky SA run still in play clipped to the back post good layoff that time for Stevens I tell you what Becky SA runs had to do so much defensively for Portland today you just see her all over the pitch getting a touch getting a back heel getting whatever she can to disrupt the buildup that we're seeing from Gotham has had her hands full a player that's done so much as a defender in her career and accomplished so much and being a really big part today of just keeping this a one- nothing game so couldn't quite settle it deflected there it's a nice deflection but it's going to make it into the hands of Shelby Hogan she quickly throws it out says a lot about your team's chemistry when you make mistakes or have errant touches that actually work out we've seen a couple of those plays now whether it was the Ells Steven's attempt on a self pass that went to Jen and Ice even that last one there that aair was nearly able to get on the other end of they're just freely moving it's not a lot of thinking and reactive play by Gotham right now offensively direct from SAU Brun back pass a bit dangerous there Burger gets there before mol Tre 13th start of the season for an Catan Burger the German number one pretty dominant so far from Gotham we haven't seen many scoring chances yet for Portland Thor no we haven't they do have a couple of shots on the day at two none of those On Target but none of them have also been threatening even you look at their buildup haven't really been able to string anything together for Rob Gil and his group they haven't had any dangerous moments although they did get into the attack it's all been in favor of Gotham right now not only on the scoreboard but also Al in terms of play you see some of the fire power awaiting on the bench raand Turner traded from Louisville on Wednesday Louisville was very active Jaylen Howell one of the main faces of that team the last few seasons sent to Seattle rain no team really standing Pat Houston is in a moment of transition Alex singer was let go as the GM so they're kind of a club without an official GM right now they're the one team that stands out is not really making moves but you understand why but the teams at the top like Orlando acquiring Carson pickets Kansas City add multiple players North Carolina four additions Macy Bell Charlotte McLean Courtney Vine how about Kansas City bringing on Alana cook she start of the nwsl final last season against Gotham she was a starter the US national team under braco rowski and now she's a starting center back with Kansas City currents that's the thing these are major moves that we've been seeing around the league in terms of roster Acquisitions of course you're seeing someone like alextra Alexa spaner excuse me today what she adds we haven't even had a chance to fully process what these new look teams are going to to be all the way through it's just a a lot of talented pieces whether it's fine-tuning the offense looking to bolster the defense like Carson pick it what she'll add for Orlando it's teams that everybody's been evaluating their weak areas and looking to figure out how they can bring someone in that's going to Plug and Play be ready to go to help them be better as we're getting a controversial play here Julia Gro Canadian midfielder comes over from Juventus but I think a lot of people are also excited about lud Miller the Brazilian who came over from Atletico Madrid former track and field star one silver with Brazil if you can get anyone to support M Swanson because she has been carrying the load all season for Chicago lumilla might be that player definitely definitely and that's going to be interestes to see she's unable to play this weekend but we'll be sure ready and available I'm sure they're Expediting that process as best they can to get her all set to be able to play L Donaldson at the Visa office as we speak not just joking but or Donaldson head coach of Chicago excited for the second half this is a nice build from Gotham look at the space for the home side at this left side and this is that free fling interchanging Steven slips it through for a stare and there's sour run covering more ground with the sliding clearance this is the what I always loved about playing in the 433 it gives you those space to be able to attack and get into you see Jenna nicewonger underlaps Ellis Divens to get across opens up space you see aair running across again it's Becky SAU Brun that has to make the sliding play to clear that out but Gotham's just creating the space running different players into pockets and through their combinations It's just tough to defend a long throw and headed away all sorts of space that was a little bit too easy from Portland and an easy chance in the end from brunia I think brunia tried to finessed that a little bit too much good idea to try to hit that first time I don't know if she was able to do a quick two touch rhythm instead nonetheless gets the shot off to end what was a beautiful buildup for Gotham nice Walker Stevens Shian sonnet there Landy Shan good first touch Stevens Becky sabrun again to clean that play up quite literally putting the team on her back right now she has been the player that's been able to keep up with all the runs and movement by Gotham no surprise with her prowess that she's able to read the game well enough to be in the right spot every single time Portland has been needing every single clearance by her to help get out of a dangerous situation and Cat Burger 33 from C in Germany bronze medal with Germany also part of the World Cup team last year in the Euros two summers ago for as great as Burger is as a goalkeeper one of the biggest things they praise is her passing ability I know Rose LEL and other players for Gotham have said she has the accuracy that even they wish they had on the field she is another addition that you're able to pass to on the back line and pinpoint a Target and and get the ball there mtry back for SAU Brun suito wants in near the circle good pressure from shean shean at the game-winning goal against Angel City in the summer cup semifinals as mean Ryan near the corner that will be a great summer Cup Final it won't be until the fall San Antonio Texas to to Fields two of the best teams in the nwsl Gotham against Kansas City Kirk yeah October 25th will be here before we know it the turn of pace here cross slightly over hit that time from Izzy Dila and Dila had the game-winning goal in the last regular season game against San Diego right before the Olympic break she's often starting in place of Sam coffee had a few starts before the Olympic break and with coffee resting today Dilla gets the start or third of the Season she's been productive two goals R only seven appearances two starts yeah and that's definitely earned her more opportunities on the pitch she's been finding her way whether it is as a starter or as a reserve to make an impact Raina Reyes hbl's cross was cleared you do just see the the difference here for Portland as they are sustaining some possession in their own attacking third it's a bit predictable though with their runs and movements as we were seeing on the other side in comparison to how Gotham's been possessing if you're Portland when you win it you've got to release get into wider spaces get in get higher up the pitch get numbers where they have players that can help add to that as we looking at Megan kingberg they do have the the talent it's just been a bit reactive right now as they're trying to possess that's making it easier for Gotham to defend and read what Portland's trying to throw their way the free kick is one Alysa Nicholls in charge of this game as Rob Gale looks on he joined Portland Thorns as an assistant before the 23 season before that with New York City FC on the men side as a youth coach in the clubs Academy also head coach in GM Valor FC in the Canadian Premier League from 2018 through 2021 Olivia mtry will deliver that's straight at the goalkeeper and Katherine Burger yeah and that one I think mry Miss hit a little bit probably wants to get a bit more of a a bend on that ball away from anat bger but instead hits it right into her gloves into the Bread Basket so to speak a minimum of four minutes will be added on here at the end of this first half more quality play from Delany shean in midfields good skill from brunin shean Fleming and a hard Challenge free kick is given binia sprinting back trying to avoid any consideration of a yellow c yeah that's a the big thing is you do want to just play Smart in these final minutes of stoppage time that's playing smart defensively but also playing playing smart with the logistics of making sure you're not picking up any cards or anything going into the break Brin played in the World Cup last year for Brazil with Gotham since 2022 as we get into these final minutes of stoppage time it is very important if you're Portland hold tight of course if you can generate one more good one good danger chance I should say because we haven't seen one from them yet get that one chance that can help you go into that locker room feeling good going into the second half on the other side for Gotham you want to hold on to this clean sheet maintain it and just continue playing at the level they've been this entire first half it's a lot of positives to take away I know we talked prior to the broadcast about how teams are looking coming out of the break there's been a kind of a slow progression back in of feeling like it's the first day of school all over again you have to get back out of your break Gotham doesn't look like they've missed the beat feels like theyve came back ready to go firing on all cylinders binho played every minute of the postseason run had a crucial assist in the quarterfinals last year against North Carolina here's stingle lost possession good win from Fleming now it's rayus ice wer does well throw in for Portland toquilla to take it Sinclair hard Challenge from Sinclair she'll be booked as she slides into Ella Stevens as he tried to track down that long touch there's the booking some good sportsmanship afterwards as Stevens and Sinclair share a smiley look here Ella Stevens going to contest and then definitely caught the right ankle got her right ankle caught up as Sinclair was sliding you see Sinclair's left foot goes right into Ella Stevens right ankle both players seem to be fine and moving along Reyes head Central Fleming away from pressure Min sugita nice build up here Mueller wide for spaner spaner shot is headed Away by Emily Sonet as she faces her former team not even sure how sonen saw that so quickly as she St on her feet as well after taking a good strike right to the forehead as Meine Ryan and there's halftime a dominant first half for Gotham FC your thoughts well if you're Gotham you've got to be encouraged for Juan Carlos and his group how they came out the possession the movement the fluidity to their attack and even defending Portland did well defensively through Becky sabrun to hold tight to what's just a one- nil margin but a lot of discussion that should be happening around how they can keep it offensively a goal for Ella Stevens her team best sixth on the season halim in New Jersey Gotham one Portland nothing week 16 in the nwsl and the resumption of the regular season after a six-week Olympic break busy night last night Orlando extended its League record unbeaten run to 18 straight Gam games 67th minute goal from Summer Yates yeah and you look at that game Houston nearly got The Equalizer in the final minutes but andress's header was denied by the post and an open goal but Orlando extends their streak as we mentioned and keep talking about the history of that 18 games that dates back to October of last year during decision day that group right now is is also just continuing to put their penal to the medal and put the pressure on as a top team across the league Houston has now gone six regular season games in a row without a goal Utah gets its second win of the Season Paige Monahan scored in the 48th minute then an own goal stretches to two nothing Bay FC cut into it Rachel kangi scored in the 83rd they had a late chance but an important win for Utah it's second this season against Bay FC well Utah's a team that really benefited from the summer cup did fantastic winning their group and were able to string together goals win success and especially with how they started off the first half of the Season or the first part of the season I should say I think that might have been a turning point for them and we saw it continue yesterday in that win against Bay FC all right a few more on top today San Diego wave an Angel City in a Southern California rivalry and then racing Louisville which was very busy in the summer transfer window tiet on Chicago two more tomorrow Washington Spirit against Kansas City current that should be an excellent game and then Seattle rain and North Carolina courage yeah we get the debut of Landon Donovan the new head coach for the San Diego wave get to see them go up against Angel City also as you mentioned those with those roster Acquisitions Chicago and racing Louisville two of the teams that have a very different identity and then H out the Battle of two top three teams in Washington Kansas City that'll be a fun one tomorrow at noon that I'm excited to be a part of Jonathan heraldez against blacko andonovski here it's a sixth goal in the season for Ella Steven she leads Gotham in scoring a oneg goal lead for Gotham over Portland at half time in Harrison New Jersey I'm mat Peterson with Renee Washington we look at some highlights second meeting the season Gotham won the first on the road in the Pacific Northwest first regular season game in over six for both these teams and here's what led to it it was uh Jen and Ice wer Delany Shen finds a stair who's able to combine with Ella Stevens a great opportunity there early on just a little bit too hard of a shot as a stair was working around two Florence Defenders and Becky sabrun and Marie Mueller uh does get a little bit too much on that shot as you see just able to squeeze it past Muller and Over the Bar though and then moments later later it's nice longer again with brunin that's the two outside backs for Gotham on the left side working across and this is the goal brunia drives it across it starts off the throwin these two working your left and your right back combining on that sideline you've got four players in the Box Stevens gets their first everybody's hitting their spots near post keeper far post and it's Steven that gets it far post off her head able to just help it along not much you can do with that the way the the ball was already curling in Stevens just had to help it on the momentum it had the positioning the way that brunin played that across perfectly Ella Stevens does the rest puts Gotham on the scoreboard first and now they're sitting pretty and continued with some great possession just doing a lot of picking the passes off creating chances from it and this one off the foot of Katie stangle Shelby Hogan makes a save there but it starts with a pass that Hogan was looking to play forward unable to find Olivia molter and Goth turns a defensive play into a good offensive attack they've been attacking in a number of ways in waves Dynamic and just a headache right now for Portland six goals on the season for Ella Stevens we'll be back with the second half Gotham leading Portland one to nothing e Ellis Steins her sixth of the season has her team in front first nwsl game with a new signing from Chelsea Jess Carter a starter for England she played every game for England as they lost the World Cup final last year to SP a r versatile Center back and right back Portland needs to find some answers on the offensive end and here we go in the second half from Harrison New Jersey Portland's in red Gotham is in blue and what might you expect for any tactical changes for robale and Portland to get back in this game as we see a change already Mandy Freeman replacing Jenna nicewander at the outside back position for Gotham yeah for Portland I anticipate they need to come out with a bit more aggression play more Up Tempo they're doing a good job through Becky sabrun who already has made a defensive play of winning it now you've got to make sure you release get your spacing stretch the field get quicker options and try to sustain possession and create chances getting forward so nice longer in a return from the Olympics goes 45 minutes Mandy Freeman 29-year-old from Florida played at USC that's a good first touch for mtry heavy pass in the pack of spaner she gets there pulls it back mtry settling and Mandy's first touch Off the Bench is a clearance as the offside flag was raised that was a good idea for Portland you like how they were able to make that wide pass although offside with her run by Alexa sanra the idea was there they've needed to be a little bit more offensive minded I think too many times they were overp possessing in front of Gotham you want to see if you can break those lines of pressure get forward and make Gotham Chase and make Gotham also defend facing their own goal I think if Portland can do a little bit more of that last play just to stay on side of course they could get some good chances through it Freeman has only called Gotham home it's her seventh season here she is on the ball for 70 appearances she appears for the eighth time this season just off the leg of Yasmine Ryan so she weathered the storm of some of those really down years for Gotham previously known as sky blue and now she's reaping the rewards of perseverance and steam with one Club the championship last year and now a big part of this year's team remarkably enough as you look at the history of Gotham Mandy Freeman is one of the is probably one of the longest 10 players Delan Sheen also they don't have players outside of about two or three that have been here for more than two seasons that's how new this club is in all the Acquisitions that they've made throughout you can actually count one or two players outside of Mandy Freeman and Delany Shen that have actually been here more than two seasons now the worst to First turnaround last year Gotham was the worst team in the league in 2022 they get a new coach Juan Carlos amoros they had some really good draft picks and young players that broke through and a great run in the playoffs Katie stangle the game winning goal against Portland away from home last year in the semifinals and they beat Seattle rain a final Club game for Megan rapino and Gotham has sustained it you look at where Seattle is in the standings one year after losing the championship game Gotham has reinforced it Squad with so many free huge in signings and naturally in sports across any League you see a regression for teams after they make a run to their respective Championship whether they win or lose there are typically steps that teams take backwards after that the pressure that comes with making a run to the Super Bowl the World Series the nwl championship the MLS Cup whatever it may be adds a lot of expectation the next season Gotham on the other hand you could say has actually been much better this season throughout of just consistently being being a top team in the league and has maybe even taken strides forward stens with the good switch J me Ryan inside return ball for Ryan EST stair goes to the back post good save that time from Hogan it was a beautiful run to the back post from aiff the delivery found a way there yeah again Gotham getting numbers in the Box creating that's a good touch there by Shelby Hogan to be able to break that up and get it away out of danger goam still with it here that was quintessential Center forward play if you're young and watch at home watchu a stair just did the number nine for Gotham because that run tells the Winger I want the ball I'm going to the back pose please find me yeah it's textbook soccer with the lanes that Gotham's been hitting on their services and get it wide and then get on the end of the Cross that's what aair was trying to do great Center forward play she got the game-winning goal against Portland in March Yasmin Ryan does really well she's on her left foot here and she hits it over the bar a warning shot from Yasmin Ryan a nice Shifty footwork from Yasmine there to be able to escape Portland's defense here you look Ball's bouncing back to goal able to face up and then splits both Defenders and Marie Muller able to get around her get a nice left footed shot look at that nice touch of split spaner on Muller and then with the lefties just sails over the crossbar nicely done there by yasine Ryan working one V2 the shot there surprised the young lady in the stands who was on her phone near had to defend herself as that ball fly flew into the first row what have we learned here let's get off our phones and enjoy enjoy life it's in front of you kids these days I'm just kidding pretty soon I will be yelling at the clouds exactly exactly is a German outside back good first season after four years with fryberg in Germany you mentioned earlier about the run for Gotham to the championship starting with that one- nothing win in the goal gamewinner by Katie stangle over Portland the last four matches between these two have come down to one goal and here we are sitting with a one goal game yet again I wonder if that streak continues today sawed Under Pressure nearly gives it away sug timed it mulry shot may have been touch it was biggest save today for man cing berer she turns away Olivia molt and berer bailed out son it there because this is just some a way too LAX play by son she's on the penalty stripe possessing with Jess Carter Carter under pressure by mtry mry nearly able to get an equalizer as sug and mtry work to win it back you do not want to lose the ball in your own 18 let alone seven yards out I mentioned earlier that portly needs Olivia mry to get more involved and that's a great way to do so hunting it to win it back and help try to score mol tree from the corner son it one the head NE Martin runs it down grew up in Birmingham Alabama played for University of Alabama that of course is not recorded as a shot on target but that was definitely the first dangerous chance we've actually seen from Portland of their three shots so far in this contest we haven't seen any that really how had you hold your breath like that play now we look at the expected goal so far Portland at 0.1 Gotham as 0.78 expected goals I know we talked about Gotham's streak of six wins in their last eight regular season matches and each of those wins they scored two goals they've been averaging about two goals per win of course today sitting on one a double change here including a Gold Medal winner and Rose LVL and here is the fans appreciating their gold medal Heroes and Davidson as well so two starters on the Olympic team Davidson and lvll on for sonid and Stevens and now get the phones out this is a great chance as they see fans very excited this is the remarkable thing for for Gotham then for what this team has with seven Olympians you have second half substitutions of two players coming in that are coming off of winning a gold medal you know the depth that's there but also just this moment for for these players for this club for this fan base to be able to have for the welcome back I'm enjoying every team around the league and their welcome back ceremonies whether it's pregame postgame for their Olympians it's been very nice to see there's Jasmine Ryan in a foot race with Mueller jasm Ryan now gets into the box she goes for goal and it's covered up by Shelby Hogan no hesitation whatsoever there from Yasmine Ryan yasmine's been drifting a lot in that right space you see her making the run across here gets the pass from Mandy Freeman that's a good feed to send her so now she's able to receive it again facing goal working 1V one able to drive her shot working around Muller we've seen that Ryan Muer match up on this near sideline pretty often especially here in the second half here comes a double change for Portland Thorns and Rob Gale there'll be a debut for raen Turner just acquired this week and Payton linahan as well Lan on for her 12th appearance Sinclair comes offen Turner acquired from Louisville on Wednesday raen Turner is a great acquisition for Portland someone that's in her goals and her play that we've seen from her with racing Louisville just very gritty hardworking player great size good speed Dynamic and as they're looking to work to strengthen their attack around players like Sophia Smith and Sam coffee Christine Sinclair add some more depth and flare even for a level of unpredictability in their offense Turner the well forward of the year at UCLA in a Mis clearance that time from Shelby Hogan as she takes blame for thatan played at Providence College where she was the 2019 Big East goalkeeper of the Year again she just signed in February with Fort Landon tough moment here Hogan's had a lot of pressure on her today whether it's p back passes saves Corner kicks she's been under a lot of pressure as mean Ryan will deliver Gotham likes to crowd the sixy Box put six in there for this delivery Beria all the way back to Burger you can hear Rob Gale urging Portland to release and get higher that's the key they've done a really good job of dropping it but you've got to get your line higher you've got to step higher to pressure Gotham and force them to play Backwards binia picked up by Jessie Fleming and this is when in my opinion missing Sophia Smith is such a loss because that's a moment you win the ball in Midfield when Smith's on the field the other team has to respect that she can stretch them they don't have that stretching forward on the field at this moment exactly and you know they have a lot of talent in their attack but Sophia Smith as we know is in a a different class of her own and so to have a player that you know can just go you know she can check she can make the wide runs she can make the runs in behind she adds that level of dynamic just game-changing movement that you need from your forward good composure there from burer that was a tough back pass that time from Freeman bouncing in and she had a clean first touch but Portland still pressuring H Su now Freeman clears go LEL comfortable on the ball started every game at the Olympics before the final turn from Ryan good Vision she's found level here's Ros LEL now Hogan with Mueller well done there by Kelly Hubley to be able to get that touch just enough to break up the pass Ros LEL was trying to play the scenes into a stair there and hubly did just enough to break it up and get it back to Hogan and out of pressure sour buun wide right to this sideline with Reyes has me Ryan covering a lot of ground now now it's stingle with Ryan in support it's fallen and the shot is saved good example of just continuing your run Ryan did and the ball fell to her feet exactly and it wasn't a direct pass from ktie stangle as you look again Delany Shane plays at to stangle who was trying kind of take her first touch with her it looks like but lost a little bit of control as it kind of went backwards here and with the pressure it actually drops perfectly into the path of Yasmin Ryan Ryan's had a few shots now this half all of them have gone directly at Shelby Hogan got to make sure you're poised enough to get that shot in a position to at least Force Hogan to have to make a difficult save versus it being right at her but nonetheless as you mentioned heads up play to just at least continue the Run span LEL Prime pressure on S run it's all the way back to Shelby Hogan it does feel like Portland's done a better job this half of exactly as you're seeing if you look at on the screen the spacing they they've got players in a lot of wide gaps they they are creating the separation they're giving options the movement is there that is something we hadn't seen as much in the first half Fleming excellent ball headed backward off the post KN away and now cleared by Freeman nearly a own goal for Portland the post needs a raise I saw a post make a save yesterday and now again today these posts are uh saving some teams that's for sure that was a very close call you look again it starts Reyes plays it back Fleming with a great ball in that hits off of the head of Jess Carter and you had an Kine Berger was coming off her line to try to make the save and then with the inadvertent head headball by Carter backwards almost was able to to sneaker you see burger then starts retreating wow the post with a huge save get that poster ra very unlucky for Portland though in all seriousness that they were a post away from what would have been a broken play that nearly found the back of the net here's molt her shot is blocked span Ling pressure she picks it up top of the box spaner into the feet a very Turner two players debuting today span TR came over from Kansas City raen Turner from Louisville that was a great entry ball as you mentioned from Fleming really put a center back in a tough spot forc him that awkward header from Jess Carter and this is something as we're looking at Olivia mry mry Alexis sanra railen Turner you have the passing ability of Jesse Fleming and H they've got Playmakers so now when you plug in Sam coffee Sophia Smith a lot of encouraging uh takeaways for what this offense can look like for Portland layoff here Mueller at a Dortmund Germany flips that into mry who is in an offside position Olivia mol Tre join the Thorns Academy in 2019 after playing for Total Football Academy in Beach FC three straight pre-seasons before finding finally signing as a first team player just about as homegrown as they come and she's a player that's when she's just going as we've been seeing more in the second half just go make the runs trust that your teammates will get you the ball that is when she's at her best it feels like the second half she's mixing it up a little bit more now Gotham trying to add to its lead back heel attempted by brunia throw in for the homeside off the leg of Rees Rees a starter for Mexico against Canada the June friendlies that's a beautiful ball played in by delini Shen perfect bend on it able to split the seams of Portland's back line to switch the point of attack and find berho on the left berin trying to do some some fancy footwork with a little back heel that Reyes was able to able to block long throw in and ryer into a corner kick Reus defending Yasmine Ryan there Ryan has been one of the most active for Gotham the entire second half she has been making a lot of runs finding the ball also drifting into Pockets but just playing aggressive you see her looking to go One V one to get that shot off for the service short to Rose Lal clever turn from lavel well read by Fleming she stepped in front of shen everywhere you look it's Yas me Ryan on the ball for Gotham yeah Z Ryan's having quite a day she's a player that's very versatile for this unit she's played every position pretty much for Gotham in her time here and so another one that's comfortable receiving whether it's making runs checking back receiving the ball in small spaces she's comfortable in a lot of different pockets of the pitch painful challenge that time from H sug against Katie stingle so checks on stingle fortunately stangle okay grimacing a bit as she walks it off that's a that was definitely a hard challenge by sigaga we've seen more from Sig and Fleming especially as well as molter I should say the midfield for Portland making their Mark even that's a hard tackle but it you're not allowing Gotham to easily build the ball up you need to make sure you're also taking it to them as well Rose LEL to deliver a good idea slightly too heavy intended there for Yasmine Ryan yeah just a bit too straight on that pass for Ros LEL the idea was there the angle was a little bit tough as well I think if Yasmine Ryan's run could have been a bit more either looping or the pass could have been a bit more diagonal maybe it stays in bounds but love the creativity that they tried to bring there here's Nicole Payne on for her 11th appearance of the Season she replaces ARA Rees P from Birmingham she played at USC speaking with Rob Gale earlier this season pay is more of the defensive minded outside back with the pace Reyes has a little more going forward I think that is a very good substitution to make we've seen Ray has involved a lot on that right side different players running at her get some fresh legs out there but also as you mentioned with Rob Gil's comments you get a more defensive minded back that might stay home a little bit more but also might that might be needed right now with how Portland wants to make sure they don't give up a second goal got to solidify your backline in order to do that excellent ball foot race there and the fresh legs of pain gets there before yasi Ryan that's exactly why she was subed in Sheen's been active she does just such a good job to find the pockets win the ball she plays very simply everything from Sheen's one or two touches she keeps the ball moving for Gotham this cross comes towards the middle Maran Turner couldn't quite settle it R back by the captain neie Martin and it's Fallen to LVL her shot is saved by Shelby Hogan Gotham continues to put the pressure on with a number of shots they're nearing double digits on shots today just have been making those shots a little bit too easy for Hulen to save you'd love to see I think as an attacker one of the biggest things I know I always focus on and like to talk about is make the keeper work you know you don't mind sometimes you might missed the goal altogether like a sted in the first half but I think they're almost over finessing it trying to place it drive that ball on frame you're Point Blank make Shelby Hogan have to make a great save essentially Ryan long first touch by Design she's back to her left just a player brimming with confidence right now she's buzzing right now very active continues to find the ball doing the little things and now I think that's allowing her to be more aggressive getting forward clever from lvll space for Ryan on her right what a hit from Yasmine Ryan no pressure from Portland and she capitalizes and now a two nothing lead for Gotham FC you could feel that second goal coming and they had just been getting around the goal overly finessing that shot well there was no overthinking or over finessing there for Yasmin Ryan the pace that was on the shots to place that out of the reach of Shelby Hogan Ney Martin Rosel who as she's dribbling across draws in Portland Defenders and look at Yasmin Ryan wide open top of the box able to shift her touch around Nicole Payne and most importantly drives it look at the pace of this ball not a lot of rotation on it just drives that one back post pass sh be Hogan but also as you see from this angle it's hard for Hogan to even see the ball that shot split about three or four Portland Defenders before it found the back of the net which makes it easy or more difficult I should say for Hogan to be able to set her feet so A beautiful drippen shot by Yasmin Ryan and well deserved with how aggressive and how active she's been in the attack for Gotham today second goal the season fifth career goal for Yasmine Ryan I I mean hard to pick a player out but I think she's been the best player on the field for the entire second half and I think hard to track as we've seen her on the left side Central up top so if you're Portland trying to decide who's responsible for y me Ryan it's anyone's guess it's a nice entry ball Olivia mol Tre over the goal frame as we talking about impressive second halfs of midfielders molri is having one herself just B Much More Much like Ryan on the other end active and aggressive as a center midi you've got to go you've got to make sure you're constantly finding the ball at your feet making runs but sometimes even making that deeper run this time it was mtry just checking back to find itan the extra motivation to facing her former team part of a three- team trade January of 2023 originally number six overall pick by port in 2021 out of TCU yeah nasm Ryan's been playing very well today as you mentioned definitely been one of the most noticeable players and impactful players on the pitch she won the championship with Portland in 2022 beating Kansas City current she won the title with Gotham last here a back to- back endl titles but with different clubs still only 25 there's s BR now there's so many informed teams in League it's hard to argue against Orlando with an 18 game regular season unbeaten streak but you have Kansas City current set to meet the Gotham side in the summer Cup Championship in October now Gotham unbeaten its last six games in all competitions dating back to the last part of the first half the regular season before the Olympic break and then the summer cup unbeaten in four free kick is one here that's the important thing about how you want to be trending in the right direction you don't want to play your best soccer in March April May you want to make sure as the season goes on you're getting better you're finding more ways to win the chemistry is growing of course you're staying healthy as best as you can and have this success in this stretch this is actually what Gotham did last season they were one of the teams that squeezed into the playoffs barely made it in and then of course had the run to win it all you want to make sure that you're closing out that as you get into the playoffs you're playing your best soccer your team's feeling the confidence is there the momentum is there the movement is there all the little things running by Mueller Fleming spinning into trouble and it's won by stingle a good skill from stangle at Midfield Katie stangle who we saw primarily being the strongest offensive piece in the first half continues to just be all over be a presence I think what you see from Gotham in their attack with stangle a stair Ella Stevens which is out there now it's Rose Yasmine Ryan is they're all over the place stangle sometimes is in the Midfield it's very Dynamic with the way they attack mol Tre for Turner Turner was in but then she's dispossessed good tracking back there from Rose lavel seeing all sorts of Tricks here from stangle I think for many parts of her career known as just a box finisher seeing some skill and Good Feet from the veteran Katie stingle here that one makes it all the way through nearly there for Brun on the back Post Yeah Brun actually continued that run it started all the way back with when Rose LEL won the ball in the Box to clear it and brunin just took off and kept running a was in an offside position you could see a number of the Portland players raise their hand thinking she was offside and believe that is what they went back and called but how about that run by brunia started in the 18 all the way through to the other 18 Again on the receiving end of that service and just wasn't able to get there hydration break here in the second half Yas Meine Ryan talking things over with estere second meeting of the season and here early on for Gotham beautiful delivery from brunin yes brunin finds Ella Stevens picks her out in the Box able to drive it into the top of the six Ella Stevens just heads it on to the back post out of the reach of Shelby Hogan it's a great team buildup there by Gotham to get them on the scoreboard first and just from there they continue to be movement the attacking haven't taken their foot off the gas and a big reason behind that is Yasmine Ryan has been everywhere on the pitch today and here a dagger top of the box able to get the pass from Rose LEL you see the composure here Rose LEL dribbling across the face of the top of the 18 lays it off to Yasmine Ryan who shifts and drives it perfectly into that back post you look at the different players that splits through about three four different players under the foot of Marie Muller and into the back post Well Done by yasine Ryan to put that one away and help extend the lead for Gotham to two a gold a week Contender there from Yasmine Ryan the technique there was simply perfect it was she struck that perfectly you could see even with the rotation of the ball that's a nice little knuckle ball that has a lot of pace on it it's tough to block it's tough to stop and for Yasmine Ryan just a very composed play I know we had talked about that Gotham has been getting around the goal but then on that final shot or service or pass maybe rushing it and in that play there Yasmine Ryan just puts her head down you can see from the first touch she was she was headed to shoot that one Mali McKenzie it's her nwsl regular season debut broswell Georgia she University of Georgia Megan kingberg also comes on so that's the final two changes for Portland and Rob Gil he uses them here at the hydration break giving it a go for the final 15 minutes plus second half stoppage time Ali McKenzie one of those players across the league that's new this season but was not drafted there's a number of players that are new to the league that were not drafted is partly why the CDA was implemented to REM all together that's a nice moment here to step on the pitch and this is where for Portland puts cling andberg with McKenzie with even some other substitutions they made like a ra and Turner yes you want to see if you can break this scoring dot they've had on the road of what now could be three games in a row getting shut out on the road but also you want to start to build how can you push through the remainder of this regular season to implement some of the new pieces or even just get more out of players like maybe Ania mry aen Jesse Fleming that they can add a little bit more to your team to round out the remainder of the Season McKenzie signed in March five years at Georgia Six goals 22 assists identifi Through The Scouting process according to K block the GM and president of soccer operations for the thorns a player that was not guaranteed anything but after a strong preseason earned the contract a stare deflected cross and will bounce into the hands of Shelby Hogan Megan klingenberg to 13th appearance mostly as a reserve here at age 35 year with Portland who was the starting left back for the United States back for the United States at the 2015 World Cup where they won it a black belt in tawan D don't mess with here's lavel wide here for Sangle I'm just really impressed with the evolution k stingle because she has the size the physicality she can just SI between the post if she wants and wait to get on the end of crosses but here in the latter stages of her career she's added this dribbling element we've seen in the second half tonight that's exactly it the progression is to move away from being the traditional Target forward you think of targets that just like to have balls served into the box and just out muscle and out jump everyone and Katie stangle being an option to check back to play with her feet is definitely evolving even as we speak with her role Within Gotham Sheen crosses a good one into a good spot good hands there from Shelby Hogan a stare was closest to it just love the Simplicity that Chen plays with it's in and out one or two touches Chen's also another one that's progressed tremendously because she just does the little things and I think with this team and the talent that they have you don't have to force anything you don't have to be something that you're not I think Shen just makes the little passes and movements to help build up the field the cross from pay picked up on this side by pton linan play to Penn State now it's Marie Mueller flied Central stingle draw some contact referee says play on Good win from Kelly Hubley there heavy pass from pay too far in front of raen Turner Berger with the save so for the thorns a positive is they are throughout this half has been better offensively it felt like the entire first half was fully in favor of Gotham we've seen Olivia mtry with a couple of good looks we've seen rayen Turner make some runs since she stepped on the pitch some good ideas and passes from players like Jesse Fleming their offense has hit a bit of a rut which we're not used to with Portland in their recent years I think that's a huge step towards working out of it and getting back another good ball from Shen as Meine Ryan back for Shia she Clips it in and Hogan claims all done by Shelby Hogan off her line has had to do a lot today the numbers of number of shots and services into the box pton linan excellent cross that was tier Davidson second half substitute she came on with rose LVL Davidson headed away second Olympics for Davidson this summer she won Gold with the US in a half Str ear the season by Rob yell is very Cy and now you see the big smile from the cerbon veteran of this team team with a big hug for Katie Sangle yeah Mcall zerone someone that's was unable to play in the championship last year and be a part of that run on the field after suffering an unfortunate torel has been back this season of a veteran one of the longest tenure players across the league in terms of NW cell appearances and minutes played and I think for this team much like we mentioned Sheen just does the little things while they're starting or off the bench works hard runs pressures organizes and really like a culture building player and chemistry building player for that sense one year with Portland for zerboni 2015 with Gotham since 2020 pton lyan's cross is headed away and Z Boni does get there good work from Mueller to dispossess Rose lvll mller Bon 37 college career UCLA hug Crossing and it's headed away yuler towards the corner she keeps it in play frame the goal as the instructions from Rob Gale on the Portland sideline bending effort from Olivia mol Tre and it's saved byan Caton Berger as Rob gilas mentioning frame the goal uh that is very important that's something that as as a forward as an attacker in general your role as you see this play again Marie Muller drives it across when that ball falls to the feet of Megan klingenberg everybody's got to be adjusting their body shape to be ready to finish and that's the difference sometimes between scoring goals and just getting around the goal that's a beautiful save by ber and a great strike by molt molter continues to be very active the second half but for Portland they've actively got to make sure they're framing the goal when that service gets past you don't just watch it go you change your shoulders you change your body shape to be ready that if the next ball Falls to you can finish I've scored a lot of goals and seen a lot of goals scored that way of just framing the right way to simplify things shean had a good thought there for a stare but it was well defended by SAU Bruns who G to into the slide to win it back into the challenge it's picked up by a stair here's lavel on her left off the underside of the crossbar somehow it stayed out tremendous hit there from Rose LVL I said before give the post to raise the crossbar this time did it the post wants a promotion after this one exactly I think they need to have a conversation Ros LEL well done yet again working in a space you don't always have to beat the defender you just have to do enough to create space for your shot you take a look from this angle a beautiful shot working around Kelly hubly drives it on frame with their left we've seen her score this goal countless times but this time the post said not today that crossbar was the Saving Grace to back up Shelby Hogan there man this could have been a three- nothing game just a matter of inches away from Ros LEL being able to squeeze that one under the crossbar a technique master class from Gotham we saw the strike from yasine Ryan that was a tremendous hit from LVL five goals on the season that would have been number six just scored a goal or two this season that looks like that just from the top of the box able to do a good job of driving it on frame curling it around the defender you imagine a third goal you think what that would have done for this match it already feels like that second goal the goal by yasine Ryan took the eror out of any of the pressure that Portland was trying to bring that third goal would give you that extra bit of deep of a deep breath and an exhale me Ryan gets the run from LVL hubly into a challenge shouts for a penalty as lavel went down railen Turner her Portland debut after the trade from racing Louisville really dominant from start to finish in my opinion from Gotham today it has been and I've been keeping an eye on how every team resets after the break after seeing yesterday's two matches today Gotham feels like they are a team that didn't even have a break they came back really click the chemistry the work that they've done and they're the team across the league that had the most Olympians out yet the co cohesion and chemistry seems like it's better than ever look at that skill from lavel wide ride here for Mcall zerbone zerboni will run towards the area good support that time from linan and a throw incoming yeah the biggest thing is it's been very consistent for Gotham there's been no drop off even once they scored goal they continued the same level of intensity the same level of movement we haven't seen any drop off in how they've been playing and that's that's huge especially looking forward to the remainder of this season nly Martin hands the armband to Mcall zerboni as we see tan Torres come in a 25-year-old from Frisco Texas who played University of Virginia it's her fourth season with Gotham miss all of last season after an injury sustained in pre-season he got Torres and zerbone in the Midfield two of those players along with someone like Mandy Freeman that has been here in the trenches so to speak for Gotham and been a part of their building seasons Jess Carter with the clearance excellent footwork away from aair Andy Freeman out in possession Turner helps it on ran pulls it back good foot speed there from Kelly Hubley hubly originally signed as a national team replacement player for Haley Grasso so great to see a player that you think might have a brief career she's extended it now in her sixth season with Portland that's one of the things I do enjoy about what the break brings a number of teams were able to bring in national team Replacements to be able to add to their roster and some of those players have earned and showed they deserve more than just a temporary position they've increased in their role and it's always a great story to hear of perseverance of players that really maximize and make the most of their opportunities hey minimum of six minutes of second half stoppage time here s pushing forward first time tonight we've seen her up this part of the Field rayen Turner couldn't quite get a touch to it but she may have gotten Burger in the process as she just looked for the slightest of flicks here in second half stoppage time yeah and I think that's this is exactly what raen Turner will bring how about Peggy sabr starting the transition to mtry to find Turner who just tries to flick it forward that's a great pass in by Olivia mtry threads the needle well to find railan Turner who just slides and tries to skip it past burger burger actually just got some grass in her face which that stinks for sure but fortunately wasn't a cleat or anything like that railen Turner is going to be a nice piece for this offense because she does look to make the runs she will make the the slides and whatever play she can to really get on the other end of passes seen her score a goal like that for racing Louisville think she can add that to Portland as well how long till we start seeing goalkeepers where sunglasses with the sponsorship tied to it for moments like those I know right I'm sure I'm surprised we haven't seen more I'm sure someone somewhere is in the lab hooking up ideas of like wck specs that they can rock some goggles some great branding now Turner was telling the truth she was pleading her case I did not touch the goalkeeper she was right it was just the grass as you saw lot of positives to take away from this game for Gotham and a lot from the second half for Portland their first half I think they came out a little bit flat and as the game's gone on they actually have continued to raise their level so when you think about the return of Sophia Smith and Sam coffee and as raayan Turner and Alexis Spano learn more about their teammates that's that's encouraging takeaways for Portland spth official gave Rob Gil a warning on the Portland sideline a day of frustration for the Portland Thorns eight wins two draws two losses since his takeover as the head coach changing roles with Mike Norris who moved to a technical director role Freeman all the way back and cine burer to a good touch and that will roll out for a goal kick Olivia mry from Wilsonville Oregon in the Portland sub she a player with a very bright future and you look at how she's grown as a historic signing as a teenager she's continued to really work her way in to be a main stay for Portland she really did pave the way Rene for all these youngers these teenagers have now signed she really is maybe 2 years ahead of the curve as she signed a very young age and now it's becoming more normal for these players at age 15 16 17 Sig you still a great skill show here from Rose LEL yeah I like the change that we're seeing in the game in terms of Ages mall or Bon on the ball who's been in the league you mentioned 36 37 years old you have an Olivia molt Tre and other teenagers that are coming in at 156 30 is the new 20 but also teenagers can hang too so I like that the league has continued to evolve in that way of being more wide open it gives players a longer career a longer soccer age span so to speak that regardless how young or how old you may be you can play in this league we saw Juan Carlos amoros very pleased with his team's performance I'm sure last year's nwsl coach of the year Randy Freeman takes it towards the corner good to see her all the way back toward Achilles in the 2019 preseason was sustained her career as you talked about one of the longest 10 years player on this Gotham side yeah it's been remarkable and I always also enjoy when players are able to get back from those devastating injuries to get back to what they love of you shouldn't have an injury force you to step away from the game and for Mandy Freeman it's good to see how she's been beloved by this club by the fan base and also has been able to work back good debut from Jess Carter tonight seconds away from being part of a clean sheet in her League debut after transferring from Chelsea this summer it was great to see her score the goal against Chelsea in their match on Monday I think the only bmma she may have is that near own goal that we saw in the second half here today that she probably wishes she could eras amazing ball from LVL estare is in what was better there the turn from level with a through ball long range hit and it slices wide that was a great pass and a great run this time there stayed on side unfortunately wasn't able to get that shot off but doesn't matter wasn't needed Gotham FC unbeaten now in seven games in all competitions they carry the success from the summer cup back into the nwsl a dominant win tonight two nothing over Portland Well Done by Gotham as they held all four of their opponents scoreless in the summer cup and then held Portland score list again today that's three straight for Portland on the road where they were shut outs but a well put together consistent game from open to close for Gotham FC in this Victory Gotham wins two nothing over Portland we'll wrap it up after this post game after a two nothing win for Gotham FC over Portland Thorns mat Peter S with Renee Washington Gotham FC back from break and now unbeat in games in all competitions we look at the highlights from this one second meeting the season Gotham won the first in Portland one and nothing game-winning goal from EST stair and early on this was some good buildup play from the outside backs yes the two outside backs working together in nice wer and brunia and brunia serves it across nicely it starts off the throwin you see Gotham already has players in the Box this is where as an attacker you want your teammate play the ball across and that's exactly what they did Ella Stevens with her team leading sixth goal gets what would end up being the gamewinner off of a beautiful inswinging service from bernia able to head it along tucks it away back post and again as that we see the beautiful angle of this with the momentum and the direction of that service Steven just had to help it along and then as the game progress Portland had some chances of Their Own It was Jesse Fleming with a nice chip pass in off the head of Jess Carter nearly an own goal but it was the post that saved the day the post here makes the save Burger trying to you see trying to swat it away to make sure it's not going in just a miscommunication there that Portland was nearly able to capitalize on and then Carter does come back and finish it through to make sure to clear it and then in the 70-minute mark Rosevelt D dribbling across the top of the box lays it off to Yasmine Ryan who had a spectacular game especially in the second half Ryan's so active neie Martin to Rose lavel lavel lays it off to Ryan and you can see from this first touch exactly where she's headed to the goal oh Yasmine Ryan drives his ball back post splits about four Portland Defenders under the leg of Marie Muller out of the reach of Shelby Hogan and into the back post to give Gotham the insurance goal Yasmine Ryan gets her second goal of regular season the first assist by Rose LEL in a Gotham Jersey now Rose wanted to get one of her own but the post again had something to say about it Rose LEL this time off the dribble fakes shifts her touch to the left drives it on frame and the crossbar keeps this a two-nil game with a huge save there look at that shot by Ros LEL beautiful bending ball out of the reach of Hogan and Gotham just continue to put the pressure on creating some remarkable chances in this Victory well that will do it from Harrison New Jersey a emphatic win for Gotham FC for Renee Washington our producer Stephie agalar and entire production crew Matt Peterson saying so long fulltime from New Jersey Gotham FC two Portland Thorns FC nothing