Gotham FC Upsets Kansas City Current in NWSL Playoff Quarterfinals
Last weekend, the Kansas City Current found themselves in a tight match against Gotham FC, tying in stoppage time and pushing the game to overtime. Tensions were high, and everyone sensed that the next goal would be crucial for advancing to the semifinals.
Every moment counted.
When Gotham’s goalkeeper, Ann-Katrin Berger, made an incredible diving save against a strong attempt from Current midfielder Ro LaBonta, Emily Sonnett quickly communicated the severity of the situation to her teammates.
The urgency was clear. They had to regain control.
Sonnett, acting as a guiding force, rallied her team to ensure that the Current wouldn’t get another chance like that one.
In a surprising turn, Gotham managed to pull off what might be the biggest upset in playoff history, defeating the top-seeded Current on their home turf and securing a spot in the semifinals for the third year in a row.
While goal scorers often steal the spotlight in such thrilling victories, Gotham’s sturdy defense, spearheaded by Sonnett and Berger, played an equally pivotal role in their triumph. The team is now set to face the defending champion, Orlando Pride, in Florida this Sunday.
Gotham entered this quarterfinal with a determination to shake off its underdog status. The team exerted relentless pressure, aiming to disrupt the Current’s rhythm.
While Kansas City showed a slight edge in scoring by a margin of 16-15 and had a better shot accuracy, they only managed to get one past Berger—a goal that stemmed from an unusual error on her part.
Great victories sometimes come wrapped in imperfections, and this week has been all about building on that unexpected success.
“It’s essential for us to keep the momentum going,” Sonnett remarked, acknowledging the importance of maintaining their routine. “It’s a fresh week and a new opponent, but staying focused will help us stay grounded.”
Gotham’s impressive playoff performance last season, which saw them nab their first NWSL Championship in 2023, serves as a reminder of what’s possible.
The players discussed this sense of unpredictability, especially after Gotham barely scraped into the playoffs as the eighth seed just two weeks ago.
Embracing their status as underdogs, Gotham is eager to prove critics wrong. “This team shines brightest when the odds are stacked against us,” said midfielder Jaelyn Howell.
As Sonnett and her teammates gear up for the upcoming match, thoughts of Orlando’s title defense seem to be the least of their concerns. The focus remains on the fundamentals and preparation.
“The regular season is behind us. It’s about those 90 minutes on the field now,” Sonnett emphasized.
Gotham appears fueled by a desire for redemption after a less-than-stellar season. “This is going to feel more like a three-game season for us,” she noted, pondering how to deliver their best performance in each match. “It’s likely every team is thinking this way to reach the finals.”
Similar to Gotham, the Pride face their own challenges, having finished the regular season in fourth place and now grappling with the absence of leading scorer Barbra Banda due to injury. The remaining players need to step up to fill the gap.
However, Gotham is gearing up to approach Sunday’s game with the same fierceness they displayed against the top team. “After a victory, it’s all about pinpointing our strengths and sustaining that momentum,” Sonnett explained. “We need to focus on our basics and replicate that intensity from the last match.”
