Gotham FC draw Washington Spirit in NWSL Challenge Cup

Gotham FC settled for a 1-1 draw against NWSL champions Washington Spirit despite being up a player for the final 25 minutes of the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup matchup. It might be a disappointing scoreline for Gotham, but it was a fair result for a squad still struggling to rediscover the on-field chemistry that carried them into the playoffs last year.

Game Stats

Gotham FC: 8 shots, 2 on goal, 45% possession, 517 passes, 75% pass accuracy

Washington Spirit: 29 shots, 10 on goal, 55% possession, 424 passes, 81% pass accuracy

It was a mostly quiet game until the 23rd minute, when a penalty kick was awarded to Gotham. US international Kristie Mewis converted the penalty, putting the visitors up over a dangerous-looking Spirit by sending the keeper the wrong way and cooly slotting the ball to the right.

Mewis was subbed off in the second half for 25-year-old forward Paige Monaghan to give Gotham a more options in their attack, while Washington’s Tinaya Alexander was subbed off for 26-year old forward and US international Ashley Hatch. Washington’s substitution worked: Hatch scored in the 61st minute to even it at one goal apiece.

Just four minutes later, Washington’s Amber Brooks received a second yellow card and was sent off the field. Gotham knew they could go for it, and subbed on forward Kumi Yokoyama for Ifeoma Onumonu and defender Gina Lewandowski for Ali Kreiger, but despite the fresh legs the game ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw after seven minutes of stoppage time.

Gotham’s next game in the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup will be Wednesday, March 30th, at 7:00 pm ET vs Orlando Pride.