By Anonymous (not verified), May 17, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gotham FC Communications
Gotham FC Goalkeeper Abby Smith Named NWSL Bud Light Player of the Week
Smith earns the honor after an incredible six-save performance on Sunday, May 14 that helped preserve Gotham FC’s 0-0 draw against the Orlando Pride. In the first half, Smith parried a shot over the crossbar and made a double save in the waning minutes before halftime. She then made a diving, second-half, stoppage-time save to help Gotham FC keep the clean sheet.
In addition to earning league honors, the goalkeeper’s performance earned team honors on Sunday night when she was named Gotham FC Player of the Match presented by CarMax.
To date through the 2023 regular season, Smith has appeared in six matches, totaling 540 minutes of playing time, with 27 saves and an 84 percent save average. Smith outperformed her expected goals on target (xGOT) by 6.8 this season (five goals conceded, 11.8 xGOT), preventing three more goals than any other goalkeeper in the NWSL in 2023.
In addition to earning NWSL Bud Light Player of the Week, Smith is also a two-time NWSL Save of the Week winner (April 22 and April 30).
Gotham FC has produced the NWSL Bud Light Player of the Week three times this season, including Smith in Week 7 and Lynn Williams in Weeks 1 and 4.
2023 NWSL Regular Season Honors for Gotham FC Players
Week 1 (March 26) Lynn Williams NWSL Bud Light Player of the Week
Week 4 (April 22) Lynn Williams NWSL Bud Light Player of the Week
Week 4 (April 22) Abby Smith NWSL Save of the Week
Week 5 (April 30) Abby Smith NWSL Save of the Week
Week 7 (May 17) Abby Smith NWSL Bud Light Player of the Week
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ABOUT NJ/NY GOTHAM FC
Representing New Jersey and New York, Gotham FC plays its home matches in the National Women’s Soccer League at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. The club, which rebranded as Gotham FC in 2021, has been part of the NWSL since the league launched in 2013. The team won the inaugural Women’s Professional Soccer championship in 2009. Most recently, Gotham FC advanced to the 2021 Challenge Cup Final – the club’s first-ever championship appearance in NWSL competition.
Editor's Note: Based upon her stellar play facing Orlando, I asked her which of no less than 4 great saves, a pair she tipped over the bar and a pair of fully horizontal ones at full extension would be her favorite, she gave credit to her defense.