Gotham FC is headed to the NWSL playoffs after a 2-2 draw with Racing Louisville FC on Sunday afternoon at home.
It was make or break for Gotham, who needed a tie or win to officially qualify for the playoffs for a third consecutive year. Gotham midfielder Jaelin Howell struck first with a shot from outside the box in the 15th minute.
Louisville then took the lead with two successive goals from Janine Sonis and Sarah Weber. Gotham trailed Louisville for 20 minutes before an 85th-minute free kick from Gotham midfielder Rose Lavelle put the Bats back in contention for a playoff spot.
Gotham has gone winless since their 3-0 win against the Portland Thorns on September 26, with two ties and a loss to the Kansas City Current since then putting their playoff spot in jeopardy. With Ann-Katrin Berger not available for a second game in a row and Esther González out with a hip injury, Gotham was missing several key players ahead of this critical Louisville match.
The Bats stepped up to the plate to clinch with a much-needed tie, a lineup of rookies and veterans pushing themselves defensively and offensively to grab a hard-fought point.
"Making it to the playoffs is a must," said Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós. "Being Gotham Football Club in such a difficult league, especially over the last three years, shows consistency. I want to give a lot of credit to the players and staff for their effort all year. They’ve had to fight against so many challenges, especially with midweek games and missing key players. Today, they showed resilience."
Gotham FC: 1.54 xG, 17 shots, 7 shots on target, 66% possession, 459 passes, 9 fouls, 7 corners, 1 saves
Racing Louisville FC: .72 xG, 9 shots, 3 shots on target, 34% possession, 239 passes, 11 fouls, 3 corners, 5 saves
Goals:
• Gotham FC, Jaelin Howell, 15'
• Racing Louisville FC, Janine Sonis, 29'
• Racing Louisville FC, Sarah Weber, 65'
• Gotham FC, Rose Lavelle, 85'
Attendance: 11,219
