Gotham FC’s first game without the injured Midge Perse wasn’t the most encouraging.
Brianna Pinto’s goal late in the first half was enough for host North Carolina Courage to win 1-0 in Saturday’s game at WakeMed Soccer Park.
The Courage (2-1-0, 6 points) had fewer than half of their scoring chances in the game, but Gotham couldn’t stop any of their 15 shots, with one of them going on target. There was only one.
Reigning league champion Gotham (1-1-0, 3 points) has split two road games and will face Perth, last season’s team MVP, who is out for the season with a torn ACL. I’m still thinking about how to play.
“She’s a great leader and a great teammate on and off the field,” Gotham left back Jenna Neiswonger said of Peirce before the game. “And you see it on the field, she’s a very hard worker. So we wish her nothing but the best.
“Everyone’s hearts are broken.”
Pinto deflected a header from Ashley Sanchez, who was also in the box and provided the assist.
Gotham goaltender Kathy Miller was unable to stop the body in time to reverse the momentum.
— For field level media
