Gotham FC spared no drama in becoming the first ever Concacaf W Champions Cup winners on Saturday night in Estadio Universario, leaving it late with a 1-0 win over UNAL Tigres. The game’s only goal came after the 80th minute when Spanish star forward Esther Gonzalez comes up big again for a club in a final, just moments after missing a penalty kick.
Gotham wasted no time in attempting to control the game, having significant chances on goal within the first few minutes. Jaelin Howell rocketed a shot towards goal in the second minute which was saved by the Tigres goalkeeper. Gonzalez, waiting in front of net, attempted to score on the rebound but was again denied the opening salvo. Minutes later the barrage continued with Brazilian winger Geyse penetrating the 18 yard box and causing chaos in front of goal.
Tigres eventually grew into the game as they pushed Gotham into a more defensive shape. While their build-up play showed promise, they rarely forced Gotham’s goalkeeper into a save. Their best effort to wrangle control of the contest came in the 31st minute when a corner produced a headed effort that rattled the crossbar.
More chances came for Gotham late in the half as winger Midge Purce was brought down in the box, sending her to the penalty spot with a chance to take the lead. Her effort was saved by a diving Tigres keeper, keeping the game level at halftime.
Much of the same story filled the second half with Gotham and Tigres coming up just short of an opening goal. A foul in the box late in the game sent Gonzalez to the spot with a chance to give the team the advantage. Yet again, Tigres’ goalkeeper, stopping two of the star women’s players off the line. Unfortunately for the home team, Gonzalez stood with the play and buried the rebound for the game’s only goal.
Gotham’s win marks a pivotal moment in the club’s history as they are crowned Concacaf’s first international club champions under the new W Champions Cup competition. The 2023 NWSL champions can now add this international trophy to a list which includes the Femenil Summer Cup and two NWSL Challenge Cup wins in 2021 and 2024.
Head coach Juan Carlos Amoros and his club will return to the United States as not just an incredible decorated club, but also as a bench mark for how clubs challenge for championships domestically and internationally in the women’s game.
STARTING XI:
Gotham FC: Berger; Freeman, Carter, Sonnett, Reale, Torres (78′ Martin), Howell, Geyse, Schupansky (78′ Stevens), Purce, Gonzalez
UANL Tigres: Gonzalez; Rodriguez, Seica, Farmer, Espinoza, Lopez (86′ Villareal), Mayor (64′ Rangel), Delgado (86′ Ferral), Ovalle, Kgatlana (74′ Dias), Hermosa (64′ Jheniffer)
SCORING SUMMARY:
82′ (Gotham FC) Esther Gonzalez unassisted
DISCIPLINE:
89′ (Gotham FC) Ella Stevens – YELLOW CARD
90′ (UNAL Tigres) Natalia Villareal – YELLOW CARD
photo from Gotham FC