3 things we learned from Angel City draw as Gotham FC confirms home playoff game
On a rainy Sunday in New Jersey, NJ/NY Gotham FC played their second-to-last home game of the regular season. A hot Angel City FC came to town, looking to upset one of the top teams in the NWSL for the second week in a row. The Bats knew they had a tough matchup on their hands. That was correct, as the teams split the points in a 1-1 draw.
The first half was lackluster offensively. Gotham FC did not register a shot on target, which shows how well Angel City did defensively. The Bats often got the ball into the final third, too, but the opportunities were somewhat of a wasteland.
It was not until halfway through the second half that the Bats shot the ball on target, and that resulted in a goal from Jaedyn Shaw. But a late goal from Taylor Suarez in stoppage time led the home side to share the points with the visitors. Nevertheless, that means the unbeaten run has extended to four games, but they have also secured at least one home playoff game.
As always, there is much to talk about. Here are three things we learned from the fixture between Gotham FC and Angel City.
Jaedyn Shaw scored another goal for Gotham FC
Shaw continued her hot streak for Gotham FC by finding the back of the net, breaking the deadlock in the 66th minute. Rose Lavelle, who earned another assist, spotted her in the box. Angel City, like other teams, made the silly mistake of allowing the winger room and space. As such, Shaw had a clear opportunity to shoot the ball at the goal.
But instead, she fiercely put it right toward Angelina Anderson in goal. The powerful shot was too strong for the goalkeeper to stop, leading to Shaw's 10th goal of the regular season.
Her incredible year for Gotham FC continues to be her best yet. And, she is only 21! The best years are likely ahead of her, and the NJ/NY side is lucky to have her.
The halftime surprise
All season long, Gotham FC fans called for the club to sign a defender. The team was thin in the backline, which caused Juan Carlos Amorós to utilize Guro Reiten and Midge Purce as the fullbacks throughout the year, especially once Lilly Reale was traded to Boston Legacy FC.
With the roster freeze happening on October 8, nobody really expected anyone else to join the club. But Gotham FC surprised everyone by bringing out Leila Ouahabi at halftime, announcing her as the newest signing for the club. The left-back arrived just hours after her last club, Chicago Stars FC, announced her departure.
In some ways, this was a delightful surprise, but also an interesting move. Why did Gotham make the move now? Is this foreshadowing a possible departure in the offseason? At the very least, this fortifies the defense and provides another talented defender who will hopefully help them for the rest of the season and beyond.
Gotham FC will ideally not play Angel City again in 2026
When all is said and done, Angel City gave the NJ/NY team a run for their money. The California side was strong in the attack, with 12 shots and five on target. They were also strong defensively, as they held Gotham to only one shot on target. It resulted in Shaw’s goal, but the league leaders should have been more threatening.
That is not a shock, though, as Angel City has been incredible as of late. They are the hottest team in the NWSL, which is why the NJ/NY team would be best off not facing them again in 2026. In complete honesty, they could cause an upset in the postseason.
It would be best for Gotham FC not to play Angel City in the playoffs. But then again, likely nobody would want to play the team.
