When Gotham FC signed Taylor Smith off waivers in late June, the news flew under the radar. The 28-year-old defender had made two starts with North Carolina Courage this season, and was brought into the club for her experience and to add depth to a squad still looking to find their identity.
It was a surprise to see her in the Starting XI playing as a lone striker. Smith was subbed on as an attacking midfielder in last week’s loss to Chicago Red Stars, but yesterday’s lineup card looked like a sign of desperation by head coach Scott Parkinson: Before this game, Smith had scored just twice in seven years as a professional.