Despite a late charge in the second half, Gotham FC fell 3-2 to North Carolina Courage under the rain on Sunday evening in North Carolina.
The Bats seemed unable to find their rhythm on the field from the start, allowing the Courage the chance to take a 2-0 lead in the first 20 minutes. Courage forward Payton Linnehan sent a clean cross across the box in the 14th minute, allowing Meredith Speck to score. Then Courage midfielder Manaka Matsukubo took advantage of a stray pass from Gotham midfielder Jaelin Howell two minutes later, chipping Ann-Katrin Berger 35 yards out.
An own goal from Gotham defender Jess Carter shortly into the second half put the Courage solidly in the lead. The Bats attempted to mount a comeback after a successful penalty from Rose Lavelle in the 87th minute, and a stoppage-time goal from Gabi Portilho, but it wasn't enough to overtake the Courage.
"We also had some moments in the first half that were uncharacteristic," said Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós. "Going into the playoffs, we can’t afford those kinds of lapses. We need to deliver consistent, top performances, and I honestly believe this group is ready to do that."
The loss placed Gotham FC eighth in the league table, setting up a quarterfinals matchup against top-seeded Kansas City Current this weekend.
Gotham FC: 2.25 xG, 21 shots, 7 shots on target, 51% possession, 463 passes, 82% pass accuracy, 8 fouls, 6 corners, 4 saves
North Carolina Courage: 2.67 xG, 12 shots, 6 shots on target, 49% possession, 444 passes, 80% pass accuracy, 12 fouls, 3 corners, 5 saves
Goals:
• North Carolina Courage, Meredith Speck, 14'
• North Carolina Courage, Manaka Matsukubo, 16'
• North Carolina Courage, Jess Carter, 51' (OG)
• Gotham FC, Rose Lavelle, 87'
• Gotham FC, Gabi Portilho, 90 + 5'
Attendance: 11,170
Gotham's late push
The Bats looked lost in the first 20 minutes on the field, making uncharacteristic mistakes from the start. Loose passes and poor defending allowed the Courage to take a quick 2-0 lead. Amorós brought in Bruninha, Sofia Cook, Gabi Portilho, and Lilly Reale towards the middle of the second half, which helped put the Bats back on the offensive. All three had two shots, with Cook coming the closest with a shot that passed multiple defenders before going wide.
Lavelle kicked off Gotham's attempted comeback with a penalty shot into the bottom-right corner of the net after Portilho drew a penalty in the 85th minute. Gotham continued to press after that, taking more risks on the field by going for wider crosses and deeper runs.
Berger made a crucial save in the 88th minute to prevent the Courage from taking a 4-1 lead, and Portilho managed to slot a second goal in stoppage time off of Katie Stengel's controlled pass from a corner kick. It wasn't enough to pull Gotham level with the Courage, cementing their 8th Place ranking in the NWSL standings.
Rose Lavelle with the deft touch for the 87' penalty 🤌
— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2025-11-03T00:15:37.184Z
"We came out better in the second half, but we know we still have another level," Lavelle said. "We dug ourselves into a hole and pulled one back, but it was too little, too late."
Kansas City showdown
Gotham's final standing on the league table means they'll face the Current in Kansas City on Sunday, November 9, at 12:30 pm in the Quarterfinals of the NWSL Championship Playoffs. (The game will be broadcast on ABC.) The Bats fell twice to the Current this season, scoring one goal to their four over two games played.
NWSL Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga and fellow Current forward Michelle Cooper were a powerhouse duo in the first match against Gotham, nabbing two goals and two assists each. Chawinga scored against Gotham once more in their October matchup, adding to her tally in the race for the Golden Boot.
Grab your popcorn 🍿 KC Current welcome Gotham FC to CPKC Stadium for an epic quarterfinal battle! Presented by Google Pixel
— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2025-11-03T04:11:41.306Z
With 15 goals and three assists this season, Chawinga is one of the best players in the league. She is easily one of the most consistent scorers in the NWSL, and her ability to make space for her teammates while on the offensive is nothing to scoff at, either.
Her chemistry with Current defenders makes her dangerous. Her dedication to preventing players from getting comfortable in the back end, as well as her speed, has hindered Gotham in previous matches.
The Bats will need to make significant changes ahead of next week's quarterfinals matchup, especially within their backline. The Current is likely to press within their first few minutes on the field, forcing Gotham on the back foot with little to no room to launch a counterattack.
The Bats can't afford to concede a goal first. With the Current setting a NWSL single-season record for the most clean sheets at home at eight shutouts, Gotham will need to be smart about taking shots.
"Kansas City is a great team, but I believe we are too," Amorós said. "We’re going to go there, and I completely back my players and staff to achieve something that hasn’t been done in a very long time."
