3 things we learned as Gotham FC's unbeaten run continues after Angel City draw | OneFootball

On a hot Sunday in Los Angeles, NJ/NY Gotham FC played against Angel City FC for the first time this season.  The first-place team was on a four-game winning streak and an eight-game unbeaten streak and wanted to continue their current run.  While the unbeaten run continued, the winning streak ended after a 0-0 draw.

Shaun Harris, the acting head coach, put out the same Starting XI as he mostly has.  Of course, why would he change the lineup that has been getting results?  But while the Bats will not have a midweek game for the rest of the season, it would be nice to see even one or two players switched out to give others a rest. Perhaps that would have changed the outcome, too.

It was a true defensive battle, and Angel City did extremely well to keep Gotham FC at bay.  Plus, they also threatened the NJ/NY side and were arguably better offensively.  They had 16 shots compared to the Bats' 12.  Many shots went wide, though, but the fact that they kept the home team out of goal shows how vital and talented Ann-Katrin Berger and her backline were defensively.

After the draw, there are items to discuss.  Here are three things we learned from Gotham FC’s game with Angel City.

Concerns for Rose Lavelle

In the first half, Rose Lavelle landed hard on her head as she fell back after a collision, and immediately the training staff was called out.  The midfielder’s face told most of the story, and it was clear right away that she was in shock and in some pain.  A head injury was later confirmed, but there is no update on her status.

While she walked off the pitch on her own, she went right into the locker room.  It would not be shocking if she has a concussion that would keep her out for a possible game or two.  The way she fell was hard to watch, and Gotham FC must be safe with their star player.  If it is a concussion, which it looks like it is, then the club must make sure she is 100% before she plays again.

Head injuries have turned great players into poor players and have even ended careers.  Hopefully, Lavelle is okay, and the injury is not as bad as it looks.

Gotham FC’s unbeaten streak stays alive

After the ferocious attack by Angel City, Gotham FC is somewhat lucky that they left with a point.  Again, the California side constantly attacked when they had the ball.  Thankfully, the Bats had the majority of possession, which kept the home side from taking more shots.

And again, the defense was on point.  It was not easy, though, and Berger’s three saves do not even tell the story of how critical she was.  Whether it was coming out of her box, coming off her line, or getting in the right spot to catch the goal, the keeper was a big part of the draw.  Moreover, she is the first NWSL goalkeeper to have back-to-back seasons with ten or more clean sheets after Sunday's shutout.

Additionally, Gotham FC tied their unbeaten streak record of nine matches.  Now, they will try to go for ten and hopefully earn three points in their next game.

Gotham FC deserved the draw

Late in the match, the Bats were given a penalty kick after the referee was recommended to look at VAR for a possible handball in the box by Sarah Gorden.  After review, the penalty was given.  But truthfully, it was a harsh call to make.  The ball hit closer to the body, and it did not look like there was a clear and obvious reason to overturn the no-call.

As such, Gotham FC’s Guro Reiten stepped up to take the penalty kick.  But Angelina Anderson guessed correctly, going to her right to make the save.  In an odd way, that was a good thing.  Winning is always the goal, but winning due to a controversial call is not good for the game.  So, the draw is better, for it preserves what the game should be.  Oh, and once again, VAR will be criticized.