Gotham FC have not started their 2024 campaign as well as they would have hoped, just one win in their first four games. Along the way the much expected high powered offense hasn’t produced with just two goals scored thus far. All of this is in spite of having World Cup winner, and NWSL game-winning goal scorer, Esther Gonzalez on the field and USWNT players such as Lynn Williams and Katie Sengel on the field.
“I think it’s just a question of trusting in the process,” said head coach Juan Carlos Amoros. “We’ve got the playing ability, we’ve got the quality. We’re tailoring the details to make sure that we are good when it comes to the final third. I’m pretty sure that we will find that on Sunday.”
Gotham will be returning to Red Bull Arena this weekend to play Racing Louisville, a team that has also struggled of late but exploded for goals against the Utah Royals last week. The reigning NWSL Champions have one of the deepest rosters the league has ever seen but have found themselves struggling in basic areas as they look to integrate players through a complex season that is expected to have more than a few stops and starts.
Gotham isn’t also without their fair share of injuries. Rose Lavelle has yet to start for the club and Tierna Davidson suffered an injury as well. Midge Purce will miss the entire season, meaning that head coach Amoros will need to pull on that depth much sooner than expected.
“For us it’s making sure everyone knows their role and responsibilities,” said Amoros. “Making sure that everyone knows the role and responsibility of the person standing next to them. A lot of the time you end up helping each other in that final bit around the box. I think it’s something we saw last year. The games where we’ve had the less chances are the ones that we’ve won.”
Amoros and Gotham are hoping that the corrections will take affect this weekend as the team’s ambitions and roster are far more aspirational than where they currently stand in the table. A team like Louisville could be just what they need in front of a home crowd that can lift their spirits on Sunday.
