In a thrilling NWSL playoff match that had all the makings of a star-studded affair, it was ultimately the unsung heroes of NJ/NY Gotham FC who made the difference in their 2-1 quarterfinal victory over the Portland Thorns. While Rose Lavelle’s dramatic stoppage-time winner will grab the headlines, the true keys to Gotham’s success on Sunday—and throughout their remarkable season—were the depth players who have consistently stepped up when called upon.
Gotham’s Secret Weapon: Squad Depth
On a team featuring prominent U.S. Women’s National Team stars like Lavelle, Crystal Dunn, and Lynn Williams, it’s easy to overlook the contributions of Gotham’s role players. But Sunday’s match was a prime example of how vital that supporting cast has been to the club’s success.
Take Delanie Sheehan, for instance. The midfielder, who was a fourth-round draft pick in 2021, came off the bench in the 90th minute and made an immediate impact. Just seven minutes later, Sheehan displayed incredible skill and composure to evade two defenders near the end line before serving up a perfect assist to Lavelle for the game-winner.
“I’m lost for words with this group,” Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amoros said after the match. “Everyone [has been] ready to step in and help the team perform, win, and compete.”
The Unheralded Midfield Dynamo
Another key contributor was Nealy Martin, Gotham’s do-everything defensive midfielder. The undrafted 2021 rookie has been a rock in the center of the park all season, breaking up opposition attacks and kickstarting possession for her team. Against Portland, Martin’s tireless work in shielding the back line and snuffing out counterattacks was instrumental in Gotham’s victory.
“I’m there to break up transitions, to just kind of clean up play and let my attackers do their job,” Martin explained post-match. “I trust my attackers to do the job, and they did.”
A Team Built for Any Challenge
Gotham’s depth has been tested like no other NWSL team this year, with the club playing more matches than anyone else due to their participation in multiple competitions. Just two weeks ago, they had to sign seven replacement players just to field a lineup for a cup final. Yet head coach Amoros has instilled a “next woman up” mentality that has seen Gotham thrive no matter the circumstances.
“The way we play is very complex. We demand a lot from [our midfielders] in terms of their efforts, connection with the game and technical ability, and I think every single one of them has been fantastic,” Amoros said.
So while the star-studded names like Lavelle and Dunn will continue to garner attention, it’s the unheralded depth pieces like Sheehan, Martin, and Yazmeen Ryan who have truly fueled Gotham’s remarkable run. And if Sunday’s thrilling win over Portland is any indication, this scrappy, resilient squad is poised to keep defying expectations as they chase an NWSL Championship.
