Gotham strike thrice to down Courage

Gotham FC 3-1 North Carolina Courage

HARRISON, NJ–After scoring just once in their first three matches, Gotham FC would score triple that on Sunday. Esther struck twice just before halftime and then Lilly Reale added a third just after it as Gotham FC went on to a 3-1 win at Sports Illustrated Arena over North Carolina Courage. Gotham move to fifth in the NWSL table while the Courage sink to 13th following Chicago’s first win of the year over Bay FC.

The match saw chances spurned by both sides before the 43rd minute when Ella Stevens came down the flank and sent a cross that was headed in by Esther. The goal would be upheld by VAR after a lengthy review. The review resulted in six minutes of stoppage time which proved to be too many for the Courage and keeper Cassy Murphy. With Ester having an initial shot saved, she waited from Murphy to let go of the ball before pouncing on it and scoring to make it 2-0.

Just 48 seconds into the second half, Lilly Reale headed in as a corner came back across the box to make it 3-0 to the hosts. Brianna Pinto would score a consolation goal for the Courage, but not enough to prevent their first loss on the road this season and leaving them winless after four matches along with Utah.

Gotham travel West to Angel City FC for a Good Friday matchup at 10:30pm ET (NWSL+), while the Courage host Bay FC on Saturday (7pm ET, NWSL+).

For more of Alyssa Carr’s photos from the day in Harrison, please click on the link to her gallery.

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