**Harrison, N.J.** – Gotham FC defeated the North Carolina Courage, 2-0, at home on Saturday night thanks to goals from Katie Stengel and McCall Zerboni in the first and second half to set up and all-or-nothing scenario when the side takes on the Orlando Pride on Wednesday, August 9 in a makeup contest.
Gotham came closest to scoring first when the side moved forward through the attacker Stengel, but when she came to put her foot through a chance from the center of the box, she sent it high over the crossbar and out of play.
However, Stengel would not have to wait much longer for another opportunity, and this one she made the most of as she pushed her side in front in the 16 ^th minute from inside the penalty area. A blocked clearance downfield by forward Midge Purce played right into Stengel’s path, and Stengel produced a bit of footwork to open up space about 14 yards from goal. Opting to shoot with her left foot, Stengel then pulled a low effort back toward the right side of goal that left Courage goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland stuck in her spot and put Gotham up a goal.
The hosts continued to produce the lion’s share of the chances in the first half with attacker Yazmeen Ryan coming closet just before halftime, but at the break it was only Stengel’s goal that had made the difference.
Working through the second half, Gotham held strong and would score its second goal of the night through midfielder McCall Zerboni in the 59 ^th minute, doubling the advantage just before the hour mark. The home side surged ahead through Stengel again, who forced a good save from Rowland as the goalkeeper pushed the ball back into play. With Gotham able to keep the ball inside the box, midfielder Delanie Sheehan was able to slide the ball over to Zerboni who was just inside the penalty area on the right side. Taking aim from right where she stood, Zerboni then curled an impressive effort to the bottom left corner to give her team a two-goal cushion.
North Carolina would come close to pulling one back in the 90 ^th minute through forward Olivia Wingate. The attacker’s footwork and agility were able to help create good space for a shot near the edge of the six-yard box on the left, but Gotham goalkeeper Abby Smith was equal to the effort and sent it away from danger.
In the end, Gotham persevered and not only earned a clean sheet and a victory, but kept itself in contention for the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup playoffs pending a big matchup on Wednesday.

Match Highlights

Match Highlights