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HARRISON, NJ (Wednesday, August 9, 2023) - NJ/NY Gotham FC’s run in the UKG Challenge Cup came to an end after the club’s final group stage match on Wednesday night concluded in a 1-1 comeback draw against the Orlando Pride at Red Bull Arena.
Gotham FC put up a valiant effort, recording seven shots on goal, and a second-half surge that produced a late Mana Shim goal in second half stoppage time to tie the scoreline.
The Orlando Pride struck first in the 32nd minute, when forward Messiah Bright finished from close range off an assist from defender Kerry Abello.
Gotham FC came close to equalizing in the 41st minute when midfielder/forward Yazmeen Ryan unleashed a shot down the middle, only to have it tipped over the goal by Orlando goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.
Orlando nearly increased its lead to 2-0 in the 61st minute when Abello delivered a cross in front of the goal. Defender Haley McCutcheon redirected the ball into the net with her body. However, the VAR recommended a video review, and the goal was ultimately disallowed due to a handball by McCutcheon.
Providing a lifeline in the final moments of the match, Gotham FC continued to apply pressure, and in the 91st minute, forward Midge Purce skillfully sent a bending ball across the box that midfielder Mana Shim stretched to connect on the far past to slide in the goal. The finish marked Shim’s first goal since Aug. 5, 2015.
Despite not advancing in the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup, Gotham FC will return to the pitch on Saturday, Aug. 19 in San Diego to resume its regular season schedule. The team currently sits tied for second place in the regular season standings with the Portland Thorns. However, the Thorns take the tiebreaker on goal differential.
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POSTGAME STATS
Download Final Stats Here
POSTGAME QUOTES
Gotham FC Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós
On Mana Shim scoring the game-tying goal and bowing out of UKG NWSL Challenge Cup
“Well for us, we knew that Mana could help us. And again, maybe a new position for her arriving late from left back, [but] very happy for her to get that goal… I think that the first 30 minutes of the game, they were better, so congratulations to them.
Download Complete Postgame Press Conference Video Here
Defender/Forward Taylor Smith:
On returning to the field and playing in her second match
“I think it's a little different coming back from injury. Just getting comfortable being back on the field. It's a whole, long process and stuff, but it's something that the coaches really emphasize. We don't really have positions, we have roles.”
Download Press Conference Video Here
Midfeilder Mana Shim:
On scoring her first NWSL goal in more than eight years
“I mean this is bittersweet, and I couldn't even celebrate because I was like, ‘We have to win this game.’ And now that I have some time to reflect on it, obviously, it's amazing. And I'm just so grateful that they trusted me to even be in the position to be on the field at that time.”
Editor's Note: This is a reply from a member of the @GothamFC Media staff.
On tragedy in Maui as a native of Hawai'i
My family is originally from Maui and I have cousins on Maui right now, and I've been in touch with them. I'm heartbroken for that community, and it's hard to be so far away and feel like there's nothing I can really do other than check in and and support my friends and family, and right now we're in a place of just checking on loved ones and making sure people are okay. We're not even thinking about the property and anything else.
Editor's Note: The above was in response to an inquiry by JJ of @BadDawgSports.
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