Gotham FC opens W Champions Cup defense with hard-fought win

The international title defense is off to a strong, if soggy, start for Gotham FC.

The local women’s professional soccer team opened its quest for a second consecutive CONCACAF W Champions Cup trophy by scoring two early goals and relying on its depth for a well-earned 2-1 victory Wednesday night over Mexican side CF Monterrey Femenil in Group B play in steady rain in front of an announced crowd of 858 at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island.

“I think it was a very positive performance. We started the game really well and strong,” Gotham coach Juan Carlos Amoros said. “I think it’s a massive [result]. This is obviously a very special tournament for us, and we know the reward that it has.

“We want to retain that trophy.”

Gotham, which resumes its NWSL slate Saturday at home against the Utah Royals, will play its next group-stage Champions Cup match Sept. 2 against El Salvadoran side Alianza, which was trounced 7-0 Tuesday in its first Cup match by the NWSL’s Washington Spirit.

The tournament features 10 teams from six nations, including a third from the NWSL, the Orlando Pride.

Amoros overhauled his starting lineup Wednesday following a quick turnaround after the team suffered a horrible 2-1 giveaway loss to Houston on Sunday at their usual home arena in New Jersey.

U.S. national team veteran Emily Sonnett made a rare miscue with an own goal for the equalizer early in the second half of that game, before the Houston Dash stole the victory with a late tally in the third minute of added time.

Sonnett remained in the starting XI at left back, but Amoros made nine lineup changes, with Shelby Hogan getting the start in goal. USWNT staple Rose Lavelle was unavailable for the match altogether as she continues her recent comeback from ankle surgery, while Esther Gonzalez — the team’s leading goal scorer — didn’t play until the second half.

Brazilian right back Bruninha opened the scoring for Gotham in the sixth minute with a right-footed blast from the top of the box past Monterrey keeper Ana Paz, before Khyah Harper made it 2-0 off a cross from Sonnett in the 24th minute.

Marcela Restrepo pulled Monterrey back within one about eight minutes later after gathering a rebound off the crossbar and slotting it past Hogan.

“They came back into the game, but we were calm,” Amoros said. “We played less than 72 hours ago, and the team was tired. Nine changes to the lineup, four rookies … and I think the team was superb and we were able to get another win.”

Gonzalez came on to start the second half, but neither side found the back of the net again after intermission.

“Obviously it’s a tough three-game week, but I think bouncing back from our game against Houston was huge to get the three points,” Hogan said. “This team has a lot of depth, so it was great to see others get the opportunity.

“We were disappointed to walk away from the Houston game without any points, but there was a big emphasis on starting out this competition strong. To get two goals early was great for the confidence and we carried that into the win with a complete performance.”