In a thrilling NWSL playoff quarterfinal, Gotham FC defeated the Portland Thorns 2-1 thanks to a stoppage time winner from Rose Lavelle, ending the legendary career of Canada’s Christine Sinclair in front of a club record 15,540 fans at Red Bull Arena.
Lavelle’s Late Heroics Lift Gotham
The defending NWSL champions, who finished the season with the third seed after going 17-4-5, found the decisive goal seven minutes into added time through their star midfielder Rose Lavelle. The 2019 World Cup bronze ball winner latched onto a loose ball in the box and fired home to send Gotham through to a semifinal date with the second-seeded Washington Spirit.
Earlier, Tierna Davidson had given the hosts a 67th minute lead, scoring her first goal of the season directly from a Lavelle free kick. But the Thorns, who struggled late in the season yet still managed to secure the final playoff spot, equalized through rookie forward Reilyn Turner‘s header eight minutes later.
Thorns Push Gotham to the Brink
Portland threw everything at Gotham in search of a winner. The Thorns thought they had found it in the 89th minute when Morgan Weaver’s shot beat the keeper but caromed back off the post. That set the stage for Lavelle’s late dramatics.
“It’s always nice to score in stoppage time so you don’t have to go into overtime,” Lavelle said after the match.
Sinclair’s Illustrious Career Comes to a Close
For Christine Sinclair, international soccer’s all-time leading scorer, it marked the end of a remarkable 12-year NWSL career, all with Portland. The 41-year-old forward retires as the Thorns’ all-time leading scorer with 65 regular season goals, third-most in league history. She led the club to titles in 2013, 2017, and 2022.
“The competitor in me hates losing, so that’s all I feel right now… The game could have gone either way.”
– Christine Sinclair on her final match
After the final whistle, players from both teams took a moment to recognize Sinclair’s incredible career and impact on the women’s game.
“Some of these teammates are some of my best friends… The world of women’s football is very small. The Gotham players were very kind as well. Just trying to soak it all in.”
– Sinclair reflects on her NWSL career
Looking Ahead to the NWSL Semifinals
Gotham’s thrilling victory sets up a semifinal clash with the Washington Spirit, who earlier on Sunday defeated Bay FC 2-1 in extra time. On the other side of the bracket, NWSL shield winners Orlando Pride will take on the Kansas City Current next weekend.
- Gotham FC vs Washington Spirit
- Orlando Pride vs Kansas City Current
The NWSL championship match will be played on November 23 at Kansas City’s CPKC Stadium. After a tumultuous season, the league’s playoffs have already delivered incredible drama and storybook endings. With global stars like Lavelle and top young talents taking center stage, the future of women’s professional soccer in the United States looks brighter than ever, even as it bids farewell to a legendary figure like Christine Sinclair.
