Gotham FCs title defense comes to crushing end in semifinal loss after venue change
They came by car, by the special-event X80 bus, by bike if they were feeling sporty.They came in layers, in beanies and scarves, with Gotham’s black-and-teal colors on top.They came on behalf of those who couldn’t come, capacity being reduced at this impromptu venue, each one trying to make noise for five.They came with some measure of outrage — this kind of home-field shenanigans would never happen in men’s sports — while their better angels told them to come in joy, in celebration, everyone watching women’s sports.And then, 25 miles and 20,000 seats removed from their regular destination at New Jersey’s Sports Illustrated Stadium, gathered in the bleachers by a blue track ringing an immaculate pitch at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island, in the shadow of the old Psychiatric Center and with the light fading over the Costco across the river, 5,000 devoted souls Sunday afternoon watched Gotham’s NWSL title defense end in a 2-1 semifinal loss to the Kansas City Current.It was a crushing end to what in some ways was the franchise’s most successful campaign — competing in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup in London in January, claiming the in-season Challenge Cup and then winning their first NWSL Shield by finishing atop the standings.The playoffs give — as they had in Gotham’s long-shot runs to the crown in 2023 and 2025 — and they painfully take away.Silence descended on these soccer pilgrims when Haley Hopkins scored off a set piece in the 89th minute to supply the knockout blow.Gotham had tied the game in the 69th minute when Kansas City turned in Midge Purce’s teasing ball for an own goal.Croix Bethune curled in a free kick to give the Current the lead in the 15th minute.Though Gotham had the vast majority of possession, they went without a shot on target in the first half.They looked more dangerous following the introduction of midfield star Rose Lavelle at halftime.The game had been moved to Icahn on Monday due to concerns over the di...