3 things we learned from Gotham FC's 3-0 win against the Washington Spirit | OneFootball

On Saturday afternoon, NJ/NY Gotham FC knew they had a difficult challenge ahead of them when they took on the Washington Spirit in the nation’s capital.  While the home side was missing multiple players, they still entered the game with solid results under their belt, winning four times and losing once.

Plus, the Spirit was Gotham FC’s Kryptonite in 2024.  That Bats struggled against them in the NWSL regular season and failed to redeem themselves after they were knocked out in the playoffs thanks to Washington.  It did not help either that the NJ/NY team lost earlier in the week to Portland Thorns FC.  A poor second half led the team to be dismantled and ultimately lose 4-1.  Therefore, the ladies had to try and redeem themselves in a place that has been difficult.

And guess what?  Gotham found a way to subdue the Kryptonite.  The Bats beat the Spirit 3-0 after three goals in the first half.  Sarah Schupansky’s first NWSL goal and another brace from Esther González saw the Bats rebound to victory.

This was a great match for Gotham FC.  Here are three things we learned from the win against the Washington Spirit.

3 things we learned from Gotham FC’s 3-0 victory

3. Esther González keeps on scoring

Esther, like the rest of Gotham FC, struggled to find the back of the net in the first three games.  Now, in the last four, the Bats have won three of their four matches and have scored 11 goals.  Seven of them are thanks to the Spanish international, who has scored a brace in all three wins.

The fact that she cannot stop scoring is a good sign for the NJ/NY team.  Having a reliable scorer can make a difference in the table and wins.  Esther can also spark some of her other teammates to score.

Of course, the forward will not score a brace in every game.  But if she is not streaky like she was in the past, and continues to score as she has been, then Esther should be in the Golden Boot race throughout the season.  Currently, she is in first with her seven goals and leads the league in shots on target.  One can only imagine how many goals she would have if Gotham started the season on fire.

2. The Gotham FC rookies are alright

For the most part, rookies Lilly Reale and Schupansky have been regular starters for the Bats, starting six and seven, respectively.  Both have adjusted to the league pretty quickly and have been solid for Gotham FC.  Reale is a great replacement for Jenna Nighswonger, while Schupansky has been a great addition to the midfield.

In other words, the Bats have been fortunate that two of their five college signings have been immediate contributors to the Starting XI.  After the mass exodus this past offseason, questions surrounded the team with all of the new players, especially the younger ones.  Notably, two have been unavailable due to injury, but Khyah Harper, the other college signing, has made three appearances so far.  Then, Stella Nyamekye and Mak Whitham had made appearances as well.

But Reale and Schupansky are the rookies who are making a difference this season.  Reale assisted on Schupansky’s goal against the Spirit, which was her first assist, and Schupansky also assisted on one of Esther’s goals.  So, the rookies are pretty alright.  Gotham FC is lucky to have them.

1. Gotham FC can beat the Spirit

When stating how the Spirit has been the Bats’ Kryptonite, it is not like Washington has dominated the team for years.  In fact, the NJ/NY team beat them in two of four fixtures back in 2023.  However, last season, the Spirit outplayed Gotham FC in the NWSL, making them the most challenging team the Bats faced.

However, Saturday’s 3-0 win proved that the D.C. side is beatable.  Yes, they were without multiple players.  But the home team has been without some of their stars and still won four of five matches entering this fixture.  So, Gotham FC beat them, and that is that.  And, it is absolutely fantastic.