Eighth-seeded Gotham FC stun top seed Kansas City Current in extra-time upset

Photo Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

Gotham FC abruptly ended the Kansas City Current’s record-breaking season with a stunning 2-1 extra-time win on Sunday in the National Women’s Soccer League quarterfinals. The defeat marked the first time Kansas City has lost at home all season, and just the second time they met defeat in their history playing at CPKC Stadium. The Shield winners entered the match hoping to extend their unprecedented run of 21 wins – 11 of which came at their fortress-like home.

However, it was the visiting Gotham FC who made history. Katie Stengel’s 120th minute goal is the latest match winner in NWSL postseason history.

Temperatures hovered in the low 20s Fahrenheit at kick-off in Kansas City. From the get-go, Gotham FC appeared undaunted by either the climate or the Current’s regular-season domination. Juan Carlos Amorós’ side controlled proceedings and dominated 68 percent of possession in the first half.

The Current’s modus operandi all season has been to concede possession in favor of striking on the counterattack. However, such a game plan fell flat without the talismanic attacking talent of striker Temwa Chawinga. The Golden Boot winner was listed as questionable with a hip injury, but did not dress and could only watch from a CPKC Stadium suite. Winger Michelle Cooper was also ruled out due to a foot injury.

The absence of both players proved to be a major blow to Kansas City’s otherwise highly efficient attack.

Gotham dropped to eighth place on Decision Day, largely due to a woeful defensive performance against the North Carolina Courage. However, on Sunday, Gotham defended resolutely against a more limited, but still threatening Current side that boasted the likes of Debinha, Bia Zaneratto, and Ally Sentnor.

Gotham FC was also without its leading goalscorer Esther Gonzalez. She was listed as a potential substitute, but never appeared to be in contention to play.

Her absence proved not to be fatal, as Gotham FC delivered the opening punch in the 67th minute with a lovely piece of dribbling and a fine finish by Jaedyn Shaw. The 20-year-old is the NWSL’s most expensive intra-league transfer and proved her value on Sunday. It was Shaw’s first career playoff goal.

But Kansas City refused to go down without a fight. In the 86th minute, substitute Ellie Wheeler skillfully beat her mark, Katie Stengel, and guided the equalizing goal past Ann-Katrin Berger. The Gotham goalkeeper had a solid game up to that point, but was culpable in not making what appeared to be a routine near-post save.

A largely attritional extra-time period appeared to tick towards a penalty kick shootout – the second in two days, as the Washington Spirit defeated Racing Louisville in penalties on Saturday. Captain Lo’eau LaBonta spearheaded a more spirited Current attack. However, the home team could not find the breakthrough moment.

That instead belonged to Gotham. In the dying moments of extra time, Berger and Stengel atoned for their previous errors. Berger lofted a free kick into Shaw’s path, who found Stengel. The 33-year-old delivered a confident strike that both sent Gotham FC through to a third consecutive NWSL semifinal and ended the Current’s season.

Both Stengel and Gotham have done this before. In 2023, Gotham FC snuck into the final playoff spot. The then–No. 6 seed upset the No. 3 seed North Carolina Courage on the road in the quarterfinal. Stengel then scored the 107th minute match-winning goal in the semifinal against the Portland Thorns at Providence Park to punch their ticket to the 2023 NWSL Championship. The underdogs went on to win it all.

Will history repeat itself? It is too early to say.

However, one thing is certain: Gotham survives to fight another day while the Kansas City Current’s season is officially history.