Jordynn Dudley delivered the decisive late moment as Gotham FC earned a 2-1 National Women’s Soccer League victory over the North Carolina Courage at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday.
Dudley gave the visitors an ideal start in the eighth minute, putting Gotham in front early and ensuring the Courage had work to do after the interval. Gotham held that 1-0 advantage through half-time, controlling 55.2% of possession and limiting the home side’s opportunities on target.
North Carolina found their route back into the match in the 69th minute when Natalia Staude levelled the contest. The Courage had pushed for an equaliser with six corners and 14 attempts overall, compared with Gotham’s 11, and Staude’s goal set up a tense final phase in Cary.
But Gotham had the final word. Dudley struck again in the first minute of stoppage time, at 90+1′, to restore the visitors’ lead and seal all three points. The late winner completed Dudley’s two-goal performance and left the Courage without time to mount another response.
Both sides finished with three shots on target, but Gotham’s sharper finishing proved the difference. North Carolina were also shown a late yellow card to Dani Weatherholt in the 88th minute, while Gotham defender Tierna Davidson was booked in the closing stages.
The result moves Gotham’s record to 15-6-4, while the Courage stand at 12-3-10. North Carolina next host Utah Royals on September 27, while Gotham return to action against Chicago Stars FC on September 25.
Goals
- Gotham FC: Jordynn Dudley, 8′
- North Carolina Courage: Natalia Staude, 69′
- Gotham FC: Jordynn Dudley, 90+1′
