After the Kansas Metropolis Present tied Gotham FC in stoppage play to drive further time final weekend, there was a common feeling that the subsequent purpose in the end would resolve who would advance to the semifinals.
There was no room for error.
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So after Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger made a formidable diving save to cease Present midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta’s fast strike aimed on the proper facet of the online, Emily Sonnett let her teammates know what was up.
That strike try was shut. A bit too shut.
Emily Sonnett controls the ball throughout a 2025 NWSL Playoff quarterfinal match in opposition to Kansas Metropolis Present at CPKC Stadium on November 9, 2025 in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri. NWSL through Getty Photos
And Sonnett, the again line’s conductor, may very well be seen directing orders to her teammates to do their greatest to make sure the Present wouldn’t get one other alternative like that.
Gotham ultimately pulled off the all-time playoff upset, beating the No. 1 Present on their residence turf to advance to their third straight semifinals.
The purpose scorers at all times get the reward after thrilling wins like that duel in Kansas Metropolis. However Gotham’s spectacular protection, anchored by Sonnett and Berger, was simply as vital in guaranteeing the membership would meet the defending champion Orlando Delight on Sunday in Florida.
Ann-Katrin Berger kicks the ball throughout a 2025 NWSL Playoff quarterfinal match in opposition to Kansas Metropolis Present at CPKC Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri. NWSL through Getty Photos
Gotham approached final week’s quarterfinal with willpower to shed the underdog label. They performed with suffocating strain and the intention to annoy and disrupt the Present.
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Whereas Kansas Metropolis could have outshot Gotham 16-15, together with 8-5 in on-target makes an attempt, the guests allowed only one purpose — a rating that got here off a uncommon misinterpret by Berger.
However numerous one of the best wins aren’t too fairly. And the main focus this week has been on constructing off final weekend’s large victory.
“To have the ability to hold momentum is important,” Sonnett informed The Put up. “It’s a brand new week. We now have a brand new opponent, and maintaining these routines sort of the identical so we’re in a position to carry out [is important]. That method, you’re not getting too excessive off a win, however you’re additionally not getting too low off what you possibly can repair.”
A lot has been made this postseason of Gotham FC’s worst-to-first turnaround that resulted within the membership’s first NWSL championship in 2023.
Ellie Wheeler (5), Hailie Mace (4) and Kayla Sharples (27) of the Kansas Metropolis Present react after the quarterfinal match between Kansas Metropolis Present and NJ/NY Gotham FC. NWSL through Getty Photos
It’s one thing the gamers have mentioned amongst themselves and has been pinned as a reminder that something can occur, particularly after Gotham fell to the eighth — and ultimate — seed for the playoffs on Choice Day practically two weeks in the past.
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However Gotham FC have embraced being underrated. They’re hungry to show the naysayers fallacious.
“This group does greatest when our backs are in opposition to the wall and once we’re being doubted,” midfielder Jaelin Howell mentioned.
The very fact the Delight are defending their title hasn’t even crossed Sonnett’s thoughts this week as she and her group ready for his or her subsequent match. She’s been centered on staying current and the sport’s fundamentals.
The common season doesn’t matter. What counts is what you do with the 90 minutes on the pitch.
Lilly Reale kicks the ball throughout a 2025 NWSL Playoff quarterfinal match in opposition to Kansas Metropolis Present at CPKC Stadium on November 9, 2025 in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri. NWSL through Getty Photos
And Gotham are taking part in like they’re in search of redemption after underperforming for a lot of the season.
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“It actually does flip right into a three-game season,” Sonnett mentioned of Gotham’s strategy to the playoffs. “How are you placing collectively a few of your greatest performances to advance every recreation hopefully? I believe each group might be pondering this solution to attain the ultimate.”
The Delight, like Gotham, are a group some have been fast to jot down off after they completed the common season in fourth place.
The Delight are with out main purpose scorer Barbra Banda, who suffered a season-ending harm in August. Which means the remainder of Orlando’s supporting forged must step as much as the problem.
However Gotham plan to strategy Sunday’s match with the identical ferocity as they did in opposition to the top-ranked group.
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“Coming off a win, you possibly can take a look at the actually constructive issues to maintain momentum by way of the sport plan, after which the place are these moments that we are able to discover them? Can we be a little bit higher within the ultimate this? Can we hold in a compact form defensively?” Sonnett mentioned. “Understanding that they’ve apparent threats they usually’re , organized group, however sort of taking that again to the essential steps so you possibly can replicate what you probably did on the weekend.”