The Local W

NYC women's sports. Tactical breakdowns & on-the-ground reporting — NWSL, WNBA, PWHL, USWNT. Go beyond the box score. #NWSL #WNBA #PWHL #USWNT #GothamFC

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Han Xu (韩旭) is back in seafoam! 🗽

Today's video from NY Liberty Practice.

https://t.co/xAAyRblP5X

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Inbox: JERSEY CITY, N.J. (Oct. 12, 2026) – Gotham FC has placed rookie forward Jordynn Dudley on the season-ending injury list, the club announced Monday.

Dudley, 21, suffered a foot fracture during a Gotham FC training session early this month and will miss the remainder of the 2026 NWSL campaign.

“We’re disappointed for Jordynn after the outstanding rookie season she has had,” said Yael Averbuch West, the president of soccer operations for Gotham FC. “She made an impact all over the field and played an important role in our push for the NWSL Shield and strong finish to the 2026 campaign. We’ll support Jordynn throughout her recovery and do everything we can to help her return healthy for next season.”

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Breanna Stewart on the lessons about leadership she’s learned from this season.

“Focusing on the now. Being where our feet are and not worrying about anything else.”

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Breanna Stewart on New York’s final possession.

“We were down two. I wanted to get downhill and get over one of my shoulders. Obviously, I had Naz, [Hillman] but I felt like I could elevate.”

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Sabrina Ionescu on the Liberty’s expectations after falling short.

“It’s not just go there, it’s win. That’s the standard threat we set here…The league is continuing to grow, it’s continuing to get better…I think for us, the mission is going to stay the same…fight for New York’s second championship.”

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Breanna Stewart on the difference in the fourth quarter that led to the collapse.

“We had a lot of good looks…I think then way we continued to be connected was really good. Atlanta’s a tough team and credit to them for making it tough on us.”

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DeMarco on whether he believes in the big three of Ionescu, Stewart, and Jones.

“I believe in this locker room and I believe in this roster…If things go differently, we’re alive 2-1.”

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Chris DeMarco on his personal feelings after suffering sweep.

“In general, the way I feel…we know we have a team that can win the whole thing. It hurt, it does hurt.”

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Chris DeMarco on New York’s difficulty against the Dream.

“A different brand of basketball…I thought our players matched it, and sometimes exceeded it. We just didn’t closed. I really think that going forward, we’re going to know what it takes against teams like this.”

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No threes needed, New York MUST look for a hole to the basket and force the whistle.

Naz Hillman and Rhyne Howard both stand with five fouls, and they each present an opportunity for New York to attack and disqualify one from the game.

Season on the line, now or never.

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DeWanna Bonner takes a direct shot to the ankle as she is assisted to the free throw line off the back of a Leonie Fiebich foul.

The officiating is glowingly serenaded to a chorus of boos with the away team at the free throw line.

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STOP THE BALL.

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10 minutes left with a two point lead, the Liberty have an opportunity to advance the series for another night in Barclays.

New York has to continue to control the games pace, remain physical, and hit their stride offensively.

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With the scored tied at 62 a piece, the previous play of the Reese-Stewart collision is under review for a chance of a hostile act, which could be a catalyst for the rest of the game’s sequence.

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New York has FINALLY climbed the mountain and has taken the lead, 56 - 55.

With Canada at the line, the Dream are sure to reclaim the advantage, but they now know that the Liberty are very alive and very well.

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Angel Reese is visibly frustrated after the Dream bench forgo challenging the out-of-bounds call for possession underneath the basket.

New York takes advantage with Jones pinning Reese under the basket for a conversion at the ring, as the Liberty keep close, 51 - 47.

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Very interesting call to say the least.

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Opening up the second half, the Dream rattle off seven straight to increase their lead to twelve, 51-39.

A Howard three, a Bonner deuce, and a Reese trio to the line have given Atlanta a considerable amount of airspace.

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Halftime Score: Dream lead Liberty, 44 - 39.

NY: Jones (13/6) keeping New York alive and productive. 15 second chance points with 14 in the paint. Admirable defensive showing, particularly at the rim. Full control of the possession game. Need to clean up offensive organization.

ATL: Early work with Howard (11) and Reese (18) doing damage. 38.5% from three, while efficient from the field (45.9%). 18 points in the paint, with 8 from the bench. Need to refocus without fouling on defense.

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TURN THE BASS UP.

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Fouls, light scuffles, and physical play have slowed this game to a snail’s crawl, as New York has held Atlanta to a stagnant 31 points while crawling back to the point of a two point deficit at 29.