Rose Lavelle scored the equalizing goal in the 85th minute, securing a 2-2 draw for Gotham FC against Racing Louisville in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) on Sunday.With this result, Gotham (9-7-9) secured their place in the NWSL playoffs, with one game remaining in the regular season. This is the third consecutive year that Gotham has qualified for the postseason.In another NWSL match on Sunday, Portland Thorns also secured their playoff spot with a 1-0 victory over Angel City.In the match played in New Jersey, Gotham opened the scoring when Jaelin Howell scored her fourth goal of the season with a powerful shot from long distance in the 15th minute.Janine Sonis tied the score 1-1 with a deflected shot inside the area in the 29th minute.After the break, Racing Louisville took a 2-1 lead when rookie Sarah Weber scored a goal after a rebound in the 65th minute.However, Lavelle had the last word, scoring an impressive direct free kick that nestled just inside the post to tie the game 2-2 from 20 yards.Jugadoras de Gotham FC celebran tras asegurar su lugar en los playoffs de la NWSL 2025.Racing (9-9-7) finished the weekend in eighth place in the standings, which is the last position for the playoffs, and has a two-point lead over North Carolina Courage, who is in ninth place, with one game remaining.Since joining the league in 2021, Louisville has yet to make the NWSL playoffs.Olivia Moultrie scored both goals in the Thorns’ 2-0 victory over Angel City in Los Angeles.With this victory, the Thorns (10-8-7) secured their ninth consecutive playoff appearance, a league record.Angel City (7-12-6) was already eliminated from playoff contention before the start of the match at BMO Stadium. ACFC’s last postseason appearance was in 2023.Moultrie gave the Thorns the perfect start in the 23rd minute. The 20-year-old player moved the ball between her feet to create space and then launched a shot into the upper corner from 21 yards, putting the score at 1-0.After Sara Doorsoun fouled Reilyn Turner in the area, Moultrie took charge of the penalty and coolly converted it to make the score 2-0 in the 60th minute. It was her eighth goal of the season.Christen Press came on as a substitute for Angel City in the 60th minute, and Ali Riley came on in the 82nd minute. Both veteran players received a standing ovation from the home fans in their last home appearance in Los Angeles. The veteran duo will retire at the end of the season.
