NWSL Quarterfinal Match Overview
This year’s NWSL quarterfinal match held on Sunday defied expectations in many ways. The Kansas City Current entered as the top seed, boasting an unprecedented season with record statistics, including a remarkable 65 points and 21 victories. However, they faced off against Gotham FC, the reigning league champions and Concacaf titleholders, who, despite securing the eighth seed, were loaded with talent. Both teams notably missed their star forwards, with Kansas City sidelined without their top goal-scorer Temwa Chawinga and rising talent Michelle Cooper, while Gotham’s Esther González also could not participate due to injuries.
Match Highlights
Despite being the lower seed, Gotham FC emerged victorious, clinching a 2-1 win in extra time at CPKC Stadium, marking an upsetting end to Kansas City’s season, often deemed one of the strongest in league history.
“We’re not an eighth-place team,”
asserted Gotham’s Jaedyn Shaw, who played a pivotal role by scoring a goal and assisting the winning goal by Katie Stengel. Shaw’s contributions highlighted the team’s resilience as they will now advance to face the Orlando Pride, the third seed, in the semifinals—an encounter that sees the last two champions go head-to-head.
Defensive Struggles and Coaching Decisions
Kansas City entered the playoffs boasting an exceptional defense, having allowed just 13 goals in 26 regular-season matches. However, without Chawinga — who led the league in scoring with 15 goals — and a hampered Bia Zaneratto, the Current struggled offensively. Coach Vlatko Andonovski noted that he had hoped for Chawinga’s potential return but ultimately chose to prioritize her long-term health. In contrast, Gotham also faced challenges with Gonzalez’s absence, who has been dealing with hip issues but might have been fit in a limited capacity for the match.
Game Dynamics
The quarterfinal unfolded with a gripping narrative, as Shaw put Gotham ahead in the 68th minute with her goal, only for Kansas City to equalize in dramatic fashion during injury time. Winger Ellie Wheeler netted an astonishing goal just before the end of regulation, marking the latest equalizer in the playoff history of the NWSL and pushing the game to extra time. Ultimately, Shaw created the winning goal for Stengel, who struck a well-placed shot that ricocheted in off the crossbar, sealing the match for Gotham.
Shaw’s Journey and Team Spirit
This triumph marked Shaw’s significant turnaround following a tumultuous year that included two trades in less than a year. After joining Gotham from the North Carolina Courage for a record $1.25 million, her arrival was intended to bolster a team that had slipped to a winless streak late in the season. With this victory, Shaw expressed satisfaction with her contribution and determination to leave a lasting legacy, remarking,
“It’s been so fun being a part of this club,”
indicating a strong team spirit heading forward.
Looking Ahead
Gotham’s offensive strategy paid off as they enjoyed significant possession but faced fierce resistance from Kansas City’s goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who made several pivotal saves. As Gotham now prepares for their semifinal showdown against the Orlando Pride, Kansas City’s aspirations for glory suffer a setback, leaving Coach Andonovski with clear intentions for the future, asserting their commitment to excellence in the league despite this year’s disappointment.
“We’re here to stay,”
he affirmed, ensuring that this club is focused on consistently making an impact each season.
