Gotham FC saw its push for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup title halted Wednesday with a 1–0 semifinal loss to Brazil’s Corinthians at Brentford Stadium, a result shaped by missed chances and a late goal against the run of play.
The reigning NWSL and Concacaf champions controlled possession for long stretches and generated the majority of attacking opportunities but were unable to convert that control into goals. Gotham will now move to Sunday’s third-place match at Arsenal Stadium against the loser of the other semifinal between Arsenal and Morocco’s ASFAR.
Head coach Juan Carlos Amorós said the difference came down to finishing.
“The team did really well in every aspect apart from scoring goals. I think we dominated. We prepared the whole month for this, and unfortunately today we weren’t good in that aspect,” Amorós said. “So, that’s how I think that’s obviously what made the final outcome, which is that we will have to play for that third place game. Congratulate Corinthians, you wish them all the best, and we will get ready for the third place battle.”
Gotham asserted itself immediately, pressing high and dictating the rhythm of the match from the opening whistle. The midfield trio of Rose Lavelle, Jaelin Howell and debutant Savannah McCaskill consistently progressed the ball into advanced areas, forcing Corinthians to defend deep for extended periods.
The first half produced a steady stream of Gotham chances. Howell sent an effort wide from the top of the penalty area after a well-worked sequence involving Lavelle and McCaskill, while Jaedyn Shaw created another opening in the 17th minute by disrupting a goalkeeper’s punt. McCaskill met the loose ball on the half-volley, but her attempt sailed over the bar.
Despite Gotham’s territorial advantage, Corinthians gradually settled into the match and looked to break forward in transition. Gotham’s back line remained organized, limiting the Brazilian side to few clear looks before halftime.
The pattern continued after the break. Gotham maintained possession and stretched the field, with Midge Purce providing consistent penetration down the right flank. Her purposeful run early in the second half created Gotham’s clearest opportunity of the night, setting up Katie Stengel from close range, but the forward pulled her shot wide.
Additional chances followed. McCaskill and Shaw both found space in dangerous areas but were unable to test the goalkeeper, as Gotham’s finishing continued to fall just short against a disciplined Corinthians defense.
The breakthrough came late and unexpectedly. In the 83rd minute, a pass from Tamires found captain Gabi Zanotti on the right side of the penalty area. Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger got a hand to the shot, but it slipped inside the post, giving the Brazilian side the lead.
Gotham responded by pushing numbers forward, introducing attacking minded midfielders Sofia Cook and Sarah Schupansky in the closing minutes. The Bats applied pressure deep into stoppage time, but Corinthians held firm to see out the result.
Defender Jess Carter said the defeat was disappointing but emphasized the team’s accountability and focus on improvement.
“We’re all a bit disappointed. We feel like we probably should have done better throughout the game and been more clinical in both boxes,” Carter said. “We had enough opportunities today to not use that as an excuse.”
Carter also reflected on the value of competing in the tournament.
“It’s a great idea. For all the girls getting to be in England, it’s pretty amazing. Getting to play against some of the best teams in the world is always a privilege. It’s something that we aim to do every year going forward from now on.”
Amorós praised his team for remaining disciplined under a physical and competitive challenge.
“I think obviously the game was definitely physical, and we can see also with the outcome, too, unfortunately, some of our players. But I think they behaved fantastically well. There are obviously moments where they could have reacted to certain moments (and) they didn’t, so I think they showed who we are as a club in that aspect really, really well,” he said.
Gotham now turns its focus to Sunday’s third-place match at Arsenal Stadium, aiming to end the tournament on a high note and carry momentum into the start of the NWSL season.
