Gotham FC’s title defense comes to crushing end in semifinal loss after venue change

Gotham FC’s defence of their National Women’s Soccer League title ended with a 2-1 semi-final defeat by Kansas City Current at Icahn Stadium in New York. The match was moved from Gotham’s regular ground because of concerns about the deteriorating pitch, leaving 5,000 supporters at a temporary venue as the club’s otherwise successful season concluded in disappointment.

Kansas City took the lead through Croix Bethune’s 15th-minute free kick, and Gotham equalised in the 69th minute when a Midge Purce cross was turned into the net by a Current player. Haley Hopkins scored the winner in the 89th minute; Gotham had most of the possession but managed no first-half shots on target. The club had won the NWSL Shield, the Challenge Cup and competed in the Women’s Champions Cup in London during the campaign.