Gotham FC and Seattle Reign FC Leave it All on the Pitch in Intense Draw
Today, the Seattle Reign FC battled Gotham FC at their home field in New Jersey. For both teams, this marked the true beginning of the end, with only a few games remaining until the end of the 2025 season. As a result, pressure was high, and every minute was on the line. Gotham FC currently stands in third place in the NWSL bracket, but with the standings so tight near each other, a win from Seattle Reign today could be their biggest advantage as they sit in fifth place overall in the league.
During the first half of the match, Gotham FC maintained majority possession as they were able to play cleanly in tight spaces with added assisted breakaways. However, Seattle shut down each of these breakaways with heavy pressure, making it difficult for Gotham to continue connecting offensively. Today, both teams were well paired; for example, it was incredibly entertaining to watch Seattle’s defender Sofia Huerta and Gotham’s forward Midge Purce battle each other's plays. Huerta was previously titled the NWSL 2025 “Assist Queen,” and Purce has shown nothing but aggressive love and strength for the game, especially in her previous match against the Portland Thorns. Both players this afternoon demonstrated why they still maintain their passionate reputations and played a fair and fun match against one another.
During the second half, as Gotham remained passionate for a goal, they continued to advance toward Seattle’s side with increasing speed and strength, but were unable to place the ball into the back of the net. Gotham’s forward and top scorer, Esther González, toward the end of the second half, attempted to score a goal from a bicycle kick, and although her execution was so close, she too was unable to finish the ball into the net. Gotham’s Rose Lavelle, today, played an outstanding game. As an offensive midfielder, her support and connecting passes to her offensive line were led with purpose. Her runs up the line, toward Seattle’s penalty box, were quickly followed by her own attempts for a goal, but like many other plays this afternoon made by Gotham, sadly, did not complete. Overall, the game ended in a 0-0 draw, but both teams demonstrated exceptional work, connectivity, and defensive ability in response to each other’s plays. Most likely, both teams will see each other toward the end of the season at the playoffs and will continue to finish their match again on the pitch.
