Gotham FC is sitting pretty, en route to claiming the NWSL Shield, but if you look closely at the numbers, you would think they were two different teams. With just three games left in the regular season, the data shows a squad that’s almost defying logic, masking a major offensive weakness, and it all comes back to one player: Jaedyn Shaw.
The Numbers Are Seriously Wild, Y’all
These stats are just… odd. Gotham has conceded the fewest goals in the entire league, which is an absolutely incredible feat. They are a defensive powerhouse, no doubt about it. But get this: they have scored only the 12th-most goals of any team. Twelfth! How does that make sense for a team chasing the Shield? Somehow, their suffocating defense still gives them the second-best goal difference in the league. Honestly, by the numbers, they are not even the best team in the league; that credit probably goes to the San Diego Wave, who have better goal difference and expected goals difference. Football might be played on grass, not spreadsheets, but those attacking inefficiencies could come back to bite them hard when the playoffs roll around.
Shaw Is The Glue Holding This Offense Together
The biggest red flag for Gotham is how much their top scorers are underperforming their expected goals (xG). Four of their top five scorers are way off their xG numbers. Sam Kerr, for instance, has just four goals from a massive 9.58 xG. Rose Lavelle also has four goals, but from 6.26 xG, and Jordynn Dudley has four from 5.76 xG. Even Ester Gonzalez, who is not with the team anymore, was closer to her expected numbers with six goals from 7.85 xG than these current stars are. It is a real problem.
But then there is Jaedyn Shaw. This kid is special. She can get a shot off from anywhere on the pitch, whether she is cutting inside from the wing, popping up with a header, or just unleashing a rip from outside the box. It was kind of surprising not to see her in the recent USWNT camp facing Spain, but Coach Emma Hayes wanted her playing consistent minutes with the U-23s instead of just coming off the bench. That strategy makes sense given the national team’s depth, but Gotham needs Shaw to keep performing at this level. Without her, an attack that is already struggling will absolutely crater this season. Good thing other teams cannot just focus on Shaw because there are other stars who can make them pay.
Gotham might not be the “true super team” they were trying to build, but their defense makes them a strong side. Maybe that is even better for winning the NWSL Championship. Their next big test is Saturday, October 17, when they travel to face the Washington Spirit at Audi Field. Kickoff is 12:30 p.m. ET. This game is huge to keep that Shield pursuit on track and show if this offense can keep it together.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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