Gotham FC draws in Louisville to force must-win home finale

October 29, 2021

For the second time in two weeks, Gotham FC has needed a win to secure a playoff berth and ended up with a draw. In order to make the playoffs for the first time since the inaugural NWSL season in 2013, they will have to beat the team they just drew, Racing Louisville FC.

Gotham FC looked to be playoff bound Thursday when they opened the scoring in the 7th minute when Ifeoma Onumonu would find the back of the net to make it 1-0 for the away team. Racing Louisville would find the equalizer shortly after halftime in the 52nd when they would put a ball just out of reach of Gotham FC keeper Kailen Sheridan to make the score 1-1.

While the chance of hosting the semi-final is now gone, Gotham FC is still hopeful to host the quarterfinals. "I think it's gonna be really important to have home field advantage. I think having fans there will really boost and give us energy. And I think whether we're home or away like the goal is still the same to play our style of soccer and put goals in the back of the opponent's net and keep them out of ours", said Defender Mandy Freeman.

Thursday night's game also would see an appearance by midfielder Elizabeth Eddy playing outside back, a position she excelled at while on loan to Vittsjo GIK in Fall of 2020. "Honestly, any chance to just be on the field and help my team get results is like, I treasure that. so I'm excited to just be on field and if it's at outside back, that's great. If it's whatever position coach asks of me, I'm happy to do it. And it's a fun challenge. It definitely has different aspects of it, but you got to live and you got to learn and keep on rolling with the punches. So honestly, I'm pretty stoked and I'm enjoying it", said Defender-Midfielder Elizabeth Eddy.

Can Gotham FC Get Into Playoffs?

Gotham FC will have it's final chance to make the playoffs in what will be Carli Lloyd's last regular season NWSL game. That game will take place at Red Bull Arena at 3pm on Sunday, October 31 and will air on CBS Sports Network for those unable to attend the match in person.