It was a Gotham golazo that helped the NWSL membership safe its spot within the postseason on Sunday with a 2-2 draw towards Louisville FC.
Gotham star Rose Lavelle scored off a free kick within the eighty fifth minute from 22 yards out that sailed into the nook of the online for the equalizing aim to ensure her staff’s third consecutive journey to the playoffs.
“With the set piece, it was a matter of ready to see the place the wall arrange and the place the keeper stood. It felt like we have been going to get one — it wasn’t a matter of if, however when. We want we might have gotten a 3rd, and that’s one thing we’ll maintain engaged on in coaching, ensuring we’re medical. It begins there,” Lavelle mentioned.
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There’s nonetheless one last week remaining within the NWSL season earlier than the playoffs start and Gotham has an opportunity to lock up a top-four end, which permits them to host within the first spherical.
Gotham is at the moment seventh within the standings.
Gotham FC midfielder Jaelin Howell (7) celebrates after scoring a aim through the first half towards Racing Louisville FC at Sports activities Illustrated Stadium. Lucas Boland-Imagn Pictures
The membership is simply two years faraway from profitable the NWSL title in 2023 and is within the midst of probably the most profitable run in Gotham FC’s historical past.
Earlier than their championship in 2023, Gotham had made the postseason simply twice beforehand in 2013 and 2021.
Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle (16) celebrates after scoring a recreation tying aim on a free kick through the second half towards Racing Louisville FC at Sports activities Illustrated Stadium. Lucas Boland-Imagn Pictures
“Making it to the playoffs is a should,“ Gotham FC coach Juan Carlos Amorós mentioned. “Being Gotham Soccer Membership in such a tough league, particularly during the last three years, exhibits consistency. I need to give a whole lot of credit score to the gamers and workers for his or her effort all yr. They’ve needed to combat towards so many challenges, particularly with midweek video games and lacking key gamers. At the moment, they confirmed resilience. The staff deserved to win.”
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The NWSL playoffs start on Nov. 7 and Gotham will play its last regular-season match of the yr on Nov. 2 towards NC Braveness.