Gotham FC Upsets Kansas City Current in Playoff Thriller
On Sunday, eighth-seeded Gotham FC was on the verge of achieving one of the biggest upsets in playoff history. They were leading, but in a dramatic turn, top-seeded Kansas City Current managed to equalize during stoppage time, forcing the match into overtime.
However, Gotham turned the tables to claim a hard-fought 2-1 victory, bringing a stunning end to Kansas City’s remarkable season.
Katie Stengel netted the decisive goal in the 121st minute. This victory not only marked Gotham’s first win against Kansas City in club history, but it also handed the Current their first loss at CPKC Stadium this season.
Gotham now moves on to the semifinals for the third consecutive year, where they will compete against the fourth-seeded Orlando Pride. The Pride secured their place by defeating the fifth-seeded Seattle Reign 2-0.
The first half of the game ended with both teams still scoreless, despite some solid performances on both sides.
In the 67th minute, Jadyn Shaw scored his inaugural playoff goal, which came shortly after Gotham’s hefty $1.25 million transfer from North Carolina Courage earlier in September. It was a crucial moment, and all Gotham had to do was maintain their lead.
Yet, maintaining that lead proved challenging. Just six minutes into stoppage time, disaster struck as Ellie Wheeler found the back of the net after a misjudgment by Gotham’s goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
Minutes into extra time, though, Shaw set up Stengel for the go-ahead goal, a moment that shifted the momentum back in Gotham’s favor.
This season had been a rollercoaster for Gotham, filled with unexpected changes following their 2023 NWSL Championship victory. Nonetheless, the grit and determination they displayed on Sunday were reminiscent of what brought them success back then.
As for the final semifinal slot, it remains up for grabs. The third-seeded Portland Thorns will face the sixth-seeded San Diego Wave, and the winner is set to meet the second-seeded Washington Spirit, who triumphed over the seventh-seeded Racing Louisville in an exhilarating shootout on Saturday.
