A double of assists from USWNT winger Midge Purce helped Gotham earn their first-ever NWSL title in a 2-1 victory over OL Reign Saturday evening.
Gotham FC claimed their first-ever NWSL Championship title Saturday evening, defeating OL Reign 2-1 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. USWNT star Margaret Purce assisted both the goals for the bats, with the first being notched in by international teammate Lynn Williams and the second being a brilliant header by Spanish international Esther Gonzalez.
OL Reign star Megan Rapinoe exited the match three minutes in due to injury, while fellow U.S. international Rose Lavelle scored the lone goal for Seattle in the first-half.
A hectic ending to the match saw Gotham goalkeeper Mandy Haught receive red for DOGSO and handling outside the box, but it was too little too late for the Reign.
Gotham have officially achieved the unthinkable: From last place in 2022 to champions in 2023.
GOAL rates Gotham FC's players from Snapdragon Stadium…
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Mandy Haught (6/10):
At-times shaky distribution was overshadowed by several clutch stops, most notably in a one-on-one facedown against Veronica Latsko in the 60th minute. However, she was sent off in stoppage time for some poor decision making.
Jenna Nighswonger (7/10):
Seattle limited the Rookie of the Year’s impact, but she had a handful of bright spots linking up with teammates in wide areas.
Ali Krieger (7/10):
The veteran did what needed to be done as she closed out her career in winning fashion.
Maitane Lopez (7/10):
Nervy in some moments and heroic in others.
Bruninha (7/10):
An average night for the Brazilian, who was effective defensively but contributed little going forward.
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Nealy Martin (7/10):
Contributed to an effective Gotham press, but made little impact going forward.
Esther Gonzalez (9/10):
The 2023 World Cup champion did what she was brought in to do: score a goal.
Delanie Sheehan (8/10):
Worked her way into the game after a few early hiccups to put in a workmanlike shift, standing up well under pressure and serving as the first link in a number of Gotham attacks.
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Yazmeen Ryan (7/10):
A so-so game for Ryan, whose passing accuracy was the best on her team but didn’t see much of the ball.
Lynn Williams (10/10):
The now-four-time NWSL champion was indispensable for her side, contributing up and down the left wing both offensively and defensively. Scored Gotham’s opening goal in the 24th minute and didn’t slow down.
Margaret Purce (10/10):
An outstanding outing by the winger, who was not only a handful for the Reign defense all night—assisting Gotham’s two goals—but made major defensive contributions as well.
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Alexandra Long (NA):
A late sub to close out the game.
Katie Stengel (NA):
A late sub to close out the game.
Sinead Farrelly (7/10):
A second half sub, she executed her role well.
Juan Carlos Amoros (10/10):
The Spaniard cemented his Coach of the Year status, proving that his fluid possession-based style can succeed in the NWSL.