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How Corinthians shocked Gotham in the FIFA Champions Cup — and what it means for the NWSL

Gotham’s semifinal loss exposed known weaknesses, but it’s even more worrisome for NWSL brass touting the league as the world’s best

Two players chase after the ball on a field. One wears light blue and the other wears dark blue. A ref in orange is nearby.
Photo courtesy of Rilee Standriff and Megan Santaniello.

Gotham FC exited the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup at the first hurdle on Wednesday, suffering a shocking 1-0 loss to Corinthians of Brazil in the semifinals. The game was decided in the 83rd minute when attacking midfielder Gabi Zanotti’s half-volley squirmed past Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger and into the net. Despite having 68% of possession, the reigning National Women’s Soccer League and Concacaf champions struggled to create chances against a resolute Corinthians side that threatened on the counter-attack. What does the loss say about Gotham? And even the NWSL? Here are the key talking points as Gotham missed out on a place in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup final this Sunday.

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