In a stunning upset, NJ/NY Gotham FC eliminated the Kansas City Current from the NWSL Playoffs, winning on a late goal by Katie Stengel in the 121st minute. This unexpected victory sets Gotham up for a semifinal clash against the Orlando Pride next weekend.

The Current, who were the top seed and had clinched the Shield, had high hopes for the playoffs. Despite their impressive season, they fell short against an underdog Gotham team that had previously struggled, finishing at a lower seed. Jaedyn Shaw, after the match, strongly indicated that Gotham did not see themselves as underdogs, stating, “Underdog my ass. We’re not underdogs.”

Although they were missing key players, including MVP Temwa Chawinga due to injury, Gotham capitalized on their opportunities. Stengel’s last-minute goal was just the final highlight in a tense game characterized by a lack of scoring chances, as both teams struggled to create.

Gotham, known for their reliance on 2023 Women’s World Cup winner Esther Gonzalez, saw Shaw’s late arrival from the national team bring a much-needed boost to their performance. In a tightly contested match, Stengel’s late-game magic sent Gotham to the semifinal, marking their third consecutive advance at this stage in the NWSL playoffs.