- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,190,684
- Reaction score
- 59
Columbus had its first taste of National Women's Soccer League action ahead of the city's own franchise debuting in 2028, as Gotham FC defeated the Kansas City Current 2-0 for the 2026 Challenge Cup at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on June 26.
The Challenge Cup, which was scheduled to be played in Columbus before the city was awarded the league's 18th franchise, is the NWSL's annual matchup between the last regular-season champions (Kansas City) and the NWSL champions (Gotham).
This year's Challenge Cup was the first time NWSL held the matchup at a neutral site.
Gotham lacked possession throughout the first 30 minutes of play, with the only shot during the stretch coming from midfielder Rose Lavelle, who recorded two of Gotham's 10 shots.
More: Why Rose Lavelle believes playing NWSL Challenge Cup in Columbus is special
A Cincinnati native, Lavelle had at least 50 friends and family members in attendance for her second game in Columbus this year. Lavelle and the United States Women's National Team defeated Canada at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on March 4 during the SheBelieves Cup.
After finally building momentum, Gotham was awarded a corner kick, which led to a penalty kick when Kansas City midfielder Loeau LaBonta fouled midfielder Jaelin Howell inside her own box.
Spanish striker Ester Gonzalez connected on the penalty, sending her shot to the left corner as goalkeeper Marisa Jordan dove to the right, and giving Gotham a 1-0 advantage in the 37th minute.
With rain coming down throughout the second half, the one-goal lead held until rookie forward Jordynn Dudley scored on a counterattack, solidifying Gotham's 2-0 victory.
The announced attendance for the first NWSL matchup in Columbus was 11,369.
[email protected]
@brimackay15
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Rose Lavelle, Gotham FC win Challenge Cup during Columbus' first NWSL game
Continue reading...
The Challenge Cup, which was scheduled to be played in Columbus before the city was awarded the league's 18th franchise, is the NWSL's annual matchup between the last regular-season champions (Kansas City) and the NWSL champions (Gotham).
This year's Challenge Cup was the first time NWSL held the matchup at a neutral site.
Gotham lacked possession throughout the first 30 minutes of play, with the only shot during the stretch coming from midfielder Rose Lavelle, who recorded two of Gotham's 10 shots.
More: Why Rose Lavelle believes playing NWSL Challenge Cup in Columbus is special
A Cincinnati native, Lavelle had at least 50 friends and family members in attendance for her second game in Columbus this year. Lavelle and the United States Women's National Team defeated Canada at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on March 4 during the SheBelieves Cup.
After finally building momentum, Gotham was awarded a corner kick, which led to a penalty kick when Kansas City midfielder Loeau LaBonta fouled midfielder Jaelin Howell inside her own box.
You must be registered for see images
Spanish striker Ester Gonzalez connected on the penalty, sending her shot to the left corner as goalkeeper Marisa Jordan dove to the right, and giving Gotham a 1-0 advantage in the 37th minute.
With rain coming down throughout the second half, the one-goal lead held until rookie forward Jordynn Dudley scored on a counterattack, solidifying Gotham's 2-0 victory.
The announced attendance for the first NWSL matchup in Columbus was 11,369.
[email protected]
@brimackay15
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Rose Lavelle, Gotham FC win Challenge Cup during Columbus' first NWSL game
Continue reading...
