3 things we learned from Gotham FC's 1-1 draw with Seattle Reign FC | OneFootball

In their opening match of the season, NJ/NY Gotham FC played to a 1-1 draw away to Seattle Reign FC. This marks the first time since 2019 that the Bats failed to win their season opening match.

While Seattle had their fair share of the momentum in the match, Gotham was probably the better team for the majority of the 90 minutes.

The lone Gotham goal came from debutant Gabi Portilho, while Seattle's came from 18-year-old Emeri Adames. Both goals were kind of chaotic, with Portilho's coming off of a second ball on a corner kick that deflected on its way in. Adames' came after the ball pinballed around the box before sneaking past Ann-Katrin Berger in goal.

Despite the slightly disappointing result, Gotham FC will probably take the one point on the road, given the large amount of change in the offseason. Here are three things we learned from this season opening match.

3 things we learned from Gotham FC's draw

3. Sarah Schupansky is ready for the pro level

One of Gotham's standout performers Saturday night was rookie Sarah Schupansky. The University of Pittsburgh alum led all NCAA Division I players in assists the previous two years, and one could see why in her performance. She confidently sprayed long balls around the field, creating opportunities for her teammates. She led all players on the field in chances created with four.

With Rose Lavelle recovering from an offseason surgery, this opportunity for Schupansky to start week 1 came about. However, if she continues to play at this level moving forward, then she will no doubt keep her starting spot in the team even with Lavelle back in the picture and maybe even be in contention for Rookie of the Year.

2. Gabi Portilho fits right in with Gotham

One thing that Gotham sorely missed when Midge Purce tore her ACL last season was somebody who could create space and chances off of the dribble. If this game was anything to go by, they have somebody who can do that in Portilho. In addition to her goal, the new player was comfortable on the ball and willing to take defenders on.

With Purce still not fully back from last season's injury, Portilho will be the main wide creative option for Gotham FC to begin the season. Having this sort of player could be the thing that really improves the team's goal production this year. Of the teams that finished in the top four last season, the Bats scored the fewest amount of goals with just 41. Portilho's form could heavily dictate where Gotham finishes in 2025.

1. Gotham FC is still a work in progress.

There were plenty of good individual performances in addition to an overall team performance that was perhaps good enough to win in other instances. But there are still obviously some issues to work around moving forward. While the three new additions that started the match, Schupansky, Portilho, and Jaelin Howell, all played good games, there were still instances where fans could tell everyone was still trying to familiarize themselves with each other.

The potential for a great season is still there, and there should be more optimism coming out of this game than negativity. That being said, there are still kinks to work out, and given the tough start to the season, do not be surprised if Gotham FC finds themselves lower down in the standings when the summer months arrive.