3 things we learned from Gotham FC's 3-1 win against the North Carolina Courage | OneFootball

On Sunday afternoon, NJ/NY Gotham FC was back in action after the international break.  The Bats entered the match winless after three games played and subsequently were desperate for a win.

However, they faced the North Carolina Courage, who was also winless entering the fixture.  Both teams are too talented to struggle as they have been, so it was expected the match would be a back-and-forth affair.  With big-name stars and talented forwards, this could have been the game that woke up the home side and the visitors.

Instead, Gotham dominated most of the game and scored multiple goals, beating the Courage 3-1.  The ladies almost got away with a clean sheet, but a late goal from the visitors brought one back.  Nevertheless, Esther González scored a brace to spark the attack and Lilly Reale scored her first professional goal to seal the win.

There is plenty that can be discussed about the match.  Here are three things we learned from Gotham FC’s 3-1 win.

3 things we learned from the first Gotham FC win

3. Esther has officially arrived in 2025

After three games, it was a little surprising that Esther González did not score entering the international break.  She is expected to be the team’s top scorer in 2025, so the Bats desperately need her to be a consistent scorer.

As such, there was hope she would come back from her time with Spain ready to go.  Part of the reason why is because she scored twice during her time with the national team.  It was also the first call-up in a while, so the international break easily could have given her confidence.

It appears that is the case, for Esther scored a brace for Gotham FC, scoring both goals within about six minutes of each other.  The forward opened her 2025 account with a superb header right into the goal in the 43rd minute.  Ella Stevens sent her the perfect pass from the left side of the pitch, and there was nothing the Courage could have done.

The second goal came in stoppage time of the first half.  North Carolina’s goalkeeper, Casey Murphy, made the biggest mistake she could possibly make.  In an attempt to send the ball up the pitch, Esther ran right into her path, blocked the ball, and gained possession.  This allowed her to score her second into an open goal, and send Gotham into the locker room at halftime leading 2-0.

Overall, Esther had a brilliant game.  She continued to be threatening throughout the entire fixture and had six shots on target.  She was also everywhere on the pitch, dropping down at times to help her teammates.

2. Is this the spark Gotham FC needs?

Gotham FC finally has their first win, and it was a fantastic one.  The Bats were notorious last year for scoring two goals or less.  Often, too many matches were too close.  However, this one they scored three times while playing their best game of the season.

Additionally, the team also looked more cohesive.  Perhaps the international break did wonders for them with the overall chemistry.  That might be why they were able to capitalize on their chances compared to the previous matches.

While this was a great game, there is still a big question: is the win the spark that Gotham needs?  Will this lead the players to more wins and better performances?  Or is this a blip on the difficult start to the season?

Sadly, the Bats have a rough three-game road trip ahead of them.  As many know, the road can be difficult for any team.  What makes this a more challenging road trip is that the NJ/NY side must travel across the country to face Angel City FC and Portland Thorns FC and then travel back and battle it out with the Washington Spirit.  Oh, and all of the teams are in the top six of the standings.

Truthfully, if Gotham FC can play well, and at least go 1-1-1 during this period, then it can be seen as a success.  Ideally, they will do better than that and provide performances similar to the one against the Courage.

1. Gotham FC can celebrate Midge Purce’s return

Fans can rejoice: Midge Purce is officially back.  The winger made her season debut and first appearance in over a year as a substitute in the second half.  She had a decent performance in a little over 20 minutes of play and even drew a foul near the box.

Of course, it will likely take some time for Purce to be her usual self on the pitch.  Recovering from an ACL tear is no walk in the park, and that includes when one is healthy but still must get back to where they were before the injury.  Nevertheless, supporters can celebrate that the Gotham FC star is back.