Three players to watch: NJ/NY Gotham FC
(image via NJ/NY Gotham FC)
Each week we’ll be looking more into the Houston Dash’s opponent, talking to media that covers the team, digging into what we can expect from that squad, and in this series, taking a look at three players to watch from the upcoming opponent. The Dash return home after their first win of the seaosn for a reunion with some old faces in new places. Here are three players to keep an eye on from Gotham FC in tomorrow’s match.
Esther Gonzalez
The World Cup winner is as impressive as advertised, but she has yet to find the back of the net this season for Gotham FC. She’s averaging 0.25 xG per 90, which is well above the league average in the first two matches of the season. This comes after a solid previous campaign, where she netted 9 goals and 4 assists in 21 league matches. This season, she is still expected to score more than six goals for the New Jersey/New York squad. Her impressive stats are largely a result of her skill on the ball and excellent positioning in the 18-yard box. A versatile striker, the Spain international excels in any system, and will certainly make Houston pay if their defensive issues and struggles with tracking back persist. The more Esther stays central on the pitch, the more dangerous she becomes, so the Dash will need to push her wide to prevent her from scoring—whether it’s one goal or three.
Ella Stevens
Stevens is coming off a career-best offensive season, where she recorded 7 goals and 4 assists in 22 league matches. She thrives in transitional play, excelling at moving the ball forward and showing an impressive knack for finishing when the opportunity arises. While she’s never been known as the primary distributor of the ball, she fulfilled her role in Gotham’s system, contributing those 4 assists. Although I anticipate she may face some challenges, especially considering the Dash’s strengths, Stevens is more than talented enough to step up and deliver when Gotham needs her.
Ann-Katrin Berger
Berger is a talented goalkeeper who’s had a slow start to the season. Conceding 3 goals in the first 2 matches is never easy, especially with one being a Marta penalty. The German international is still the reigning NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year and a Best XI selection from last season. It could be a goalkeeping battle on both ends of the field with Berger and Jane Campbell going toe-to-toe. I wouldn’t be surprised if Berger views this Houston match as extra motivation to secure her first clean sheet of the season.