Gotham FC screwed up

For the defending NWSL champs, the third-place game at the Champions Cup yesterday was the optimal opportunity to have new goalie signing Teagan Wy in goal, rather than incumbent #1 Ann-Katrin Berger, but it was AKB who was between the pipes and Wy watched from the bench.

A few reasons why this wasn't a good move-

It would've given Wy pro minutes in a low-risk environment.

You don't necessarily want to throw a 21-year-old, straight-from-college goalie into NWSL action in her first couple appearances. You want some games that won't count towards postseason seeding to get her game-speed reps... maybe a game February 1st, for instance.

It would've reassured her that she's not just a benchwarmer. 

She more than likely knew coming in that AKB would get the bulk of NWSL minutes. By that logic, having her between the pipes in a preseason encounter would've told her, "hey, you're a crucial part of our plans moving forward". 

It would start a long-term track for the club at the goalie position. 

This is probably the most important. 

There are three goalies under contract for Gotham. 

Berger, the incumbent #1, is 35.

Ryan Campbell, who has maybe two appearances in goal for the Bats, is 23.

Wy is 21. 

If I was the Gotham coach, I'd have started Campbell in the semifinal and Wy in the third-place game yesterday- not to yank AKB out of her starting spot willy-nilly, but to see the two younger goalies in actual game situations and also to start a long-term plan of succession at arguably the most important position on the field. The way things are going right now, Gotham's putting all of their eggs in the AKB basket and not necessarily thinking long-term at that position- great if Berger stays healthy and not-great otherwise.