"First of all, I'm really, really sad for her, because a big injury often happens when you are at your best, and she was a really important player for us," Dali said.
Dali explained that the squad needs to accept the setback and refocus entirely on the upcoming stretch of matches.
"She is a really important player for us, and I'm quite still angry at the way that this happened, but you need to accept it and move forward," Dali said.
>>> Orioles Shut Out Reds 3-0 Behind Trevor Rogers' Strong Start
Reflecting on her experiences from the previous year, Dali noted that past performances do not dictate the outcome of the remaining campaign.
"We need to move forward, and I just learned last season that it doesn't matter what you did the first part of the season," Dali said.
Eidevall detailed that the coaching staff is actively reconfiguring the lineup structure rather than looking for a direct player-for-player replacement for the injured forward.
"We need to build something new, and not only try to replace the puzzle piece that Dudihna was with something that doesn't fit the same way," Eidevall said.
He underscored the technical challenge presented by Gotham FC's veteran roster structure ahead of the fixture.
"So, we just need to construct the puzzle a little bit differently, and that's work in motion. That's what we're doing here now," Eidevall said.
Eidevall concluded that breaking down Gotham's defensive block will require deliberate offensive creation from his players.
"They're a solid team, a very experienced team, a mature team that won't give away a lot for free to you when you play against them," Eidevall said.
He reiterated that the team must remain patient and disciplined to unlock scoring chances.
"So, you need to create your opportunities yourself," Eidevall said.
>>> China Releases Zion Church Founder Ezra Jin After US Pressure
Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós retained the identical starting XI that secured the NWSL Challenge Cup title on June 26, utilizing rookie Jordynn Dudley, Spanish striker Esther González, and midfielder Rose Lavelle to anchor the visiting lineup.
