RECAP: Gotham Qualifies for NWSL Playoffs Despite Surrendering Draw to KC

photo by Dennis Schneidler/USA Today Sports

by Anthony J. Merced

HARRISON, N.J. - Gotham FC have qualified for the NWSL playoffs with a 2-2 draw against Kansas City current in Ali Kreiger's final regular season game. The Gotham captain played an important role in keeping the team in the game and in the playoffs as results around the league saw them narrowly secure the sixth and final spot ahead of the Orlando Pride.

Gotham started the game quickly with a goal from Midge Purce in the sixth minute. Delanie Sheehan played Purce into who finished past the keeper to send the team up the table into a home playoff spot. Gotham doubled the lead in the 15th minute when Yazmeen Ryan dribbled past the Kanas City defense and scored the game's second goal.

From there the Current came into the game when Alexis Loera found Alexa Spaantstra in the box to cut the lead in half. Less than 10 minutes later, in the 36th minute, a ball played across the box was knocked into the net by Gotham defender Jenna Nighswonger.

Gotham pressed for a win in the second half, hitting the cross bar and forcing Adrianna Franch into several key saves. The Current stood staunch defensively, despite Gotham's best efforts.

The draw does get Gotham back into the playoffs following a season where they finished last in the table in 2022. Now, they will travel to North Caroline to play the Courage in the first round of the 2023 NWSL playoffs.

STARTING XI:

Gotham FC: Haught; Edmonds, Lopez, Kreiger, Nighswonger, Sheehan (72' Farrelly), Martin, Ryan, Purce, Gonzalez, Williams (90' Stengel)

KC Current: Franch; Del Fava, Ball, Costa, Rodriguez, Loera, LaBonta, de Oliveira, Cooper (85' Larsson), Hamilton (72' Curran), Spaanstra (84' Lavogez)

SCORING SUMMARY:
6' (Gotham FC) Midge Purce assisted by Delanie Sheehan
15' (Gotham FC) Yazmeen Ryan assisted by Kristin Edmonds
26' (KC Current) Alexa Spaanstra assisted by Alexis Loera
36' (KC Current) Jenna Nighswonger OG

DISCPLINE:
45' (Gotham FC) Kristin Edmonds - YELLOW CARD
90' (Gotham FC) Jenna Nighswonger - YELLOW CARD

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