In one of the most dramatic finishes of the National Women's Soccer League season, NJ/NY Gotham FC delivered a stunning upset against the heavily-favoured Kansas City Current, scoring in the 121st minute to secure a 2-1 victory in their quarter-final clash.
Last-Gasp Drama in Kansas City
The match appeared destined for penalties when Katie Stengel emerged as the hero for Gotham FC, reacting quickest to a flick-on from Jaedyn Shaw and smashing her shot off the crossbar and into the net from six yards out. The goal came from a long free kick launched from the halfway line, silencing the 11,500-strong sold-out crowd at CPKC Stadium.
The victory marks just the second time a visiting team has beaten the Current at their new stadium, which opened earlier this year, and ends Kansas City's impressive 18-match unbeaten streak at home.
Rollercoaster Encounter
The match had already provided plenty of drama before Stengel's late heroics. Jaedyn Shaw had given Gotham the lead in the 68th minute with a superb individual effort, swivelling away from defender Kayla Sharples before dribbling into the box and finishing with a low shot.
Just as Gotham appeared set to see out the victory, Ellie Wheeler produced a breathtaking equaliser for the Current with literally seconds remaining in normal time, scoring in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time to force extra time.
During the additional period, Kansas City piled on the pressure in search of a winner, but found Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger in inspired form. The German international produced a particularly spectacular save in the 104th minute, tipping Bia Zaneratto's high shot to the top left corner over the bar.
Major Playoff Upset
The result represents one of the biggest surprises in NWSL playoff history, given the stark contrast between the two teams' regular season performances. Kansas City finished top of the standings with a league record 65 points, while Gotham squeaked into the postseason as the eighth and lowest seed with just 36 points.
The victory sets up a semi-final encounter between Gotham FC and the Orlando Pride, who secured their place with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Seattle Reign on Friday night.
Other Quarter-Final Action
In Saturday's other quarter-final, the Washington Spirit advanced via penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw with Racing Louisville. Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury emerged as the hero, saving two penalties in the shootout which Washington won 3-1.
The match had seen Gift Monday give Spirit the lead in the 73rd minute, only for Kayla Fischer to equalise for Louisville in second-half stoppage time. The shootout victory echoed Washington's playoff success last season, where Kingsbury also starred with three penalty saves against Gotham FC.
The second-seeded Spirit will now await the winner of the Portland Thorns versus San Diego Wave encounter in next weekend's semi-finals.
