Ifeoma Onumonu lifts Gotham FC to 1-0 win over OL Reign

Gotham FC held off an energized OL Reign on Saturday night to pull out a 1-0 victory at Red Bull Arena.

OL Reign created plenty of chances early, one of the best coming from a link-up between Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle in the seventh minute. Lavelle found Rapinoe on the flank and she cut inside, but her low shot was denied by the post.

👀 the pass from @roselavelle

😳 the post hit from @mPinoe#NJNYvRGN | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/tnuOriYnkb

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) June 5, 2021

The game’s lone goal came off a Gotham FC corner in the 13th minute. Ifeoma Onumonu put her side up 1-0 when she rose above a cluster of defenders to head Caprice Dydasco’s cross into the left corner of the net.

Air Ify, ready for takeoff ✈️#NJNYvRGN | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/kMafEBXbZW

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) June 5, 2021

Gotham FC’s 1-0 lead endured for the remainder of the game, but OL Reign didn’t let up on the attack. Lavelle and Rapinoe were a dangerous combination, pressuring Gotham’s back line until the final whistle.

🌹 + Rapinoe running rampant 😮#NJNYvRGN | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/W0D1QcA4QI

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) June 5, 2021

Lavelle has galvanized OL Reign’s offense in her two games with the club, but the team hasn’t been able to convert in the final third.

Gotham FC’s defense once again won the match, fending off a barrage of OL Reign opportunities. The club has allowed just one goal during the regular season.

After the international break, OL Reign will head to North Carolina to face the Courage on June 19. Gotham FC will travel to Orlando to play the Pride on June 20.