Gotham FC lose to NC Courage in Challenge Cup opener

Gotham FC lost to NC Courage 2-0 in their opening game of the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup played in North Carolina. Gotham managed only one shot on target, and never posed a serious threat to the home team.

Game Stats

Gotham FC: 4 shots, 1 on goal, 42% possession, 409 passes, 71% pass accuracy

NC Courage: 17 shots, 4 on goal, 58% possession, 554 passes, 81% pass accuracy

North Carolina’s first goal came in the 22nd minute from former Gotham player Brianna Pinto, who nodded home a lofted cross from Carson Pickett past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper and US international Ashlyn Harris. Courage captain and New Zealand international Abby Erceg buried a deflected clearance in the 51st minute to seal the game for North Carolina.

Gotham was without key starters Allie Long, Kristie Mewis, and Ifeoma Onumonu, and rarely presented a threat in the attacking third.

Gotham next play away at Washington Spirit on Friday, March 25, at 7:30 pm ET. You can find Gotham’s full 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup schedule with complete broadcast information here.