Rose Lavelle netted a crucial equalizer in the 85th minute, allowing Gotham FC to secure a 2-2 draw against Racing Louisville in the National Women’s Soccer League on Sunday.
Thanks to this draw, Gotham (9-7-9) has officially booked a place in the NWSL playoffs with one regular-season game remaining, marking the third consecutive year the team has reached the postseason.
In another NWSL match on Sunday, the Portland Thorns secured their playoff spot with a 1-0 victory over Angel City.
In New Jersey, Gotham opened the scoring when Jaelin Howell struck a long-range shot in the 15th minute for her fourth goal of the season.
However, Janine Sonis equalized for Racing in the 29th minute with a deflected shot from the box.
After halftime, Racing took a 2-1 advantage when rookie Sarah Weber capitalized on a rebound in the 65th minute.
But Lavelle struck again in the closing moments, curling an impressive direct free kick just inside the post from 20 yards out to level the score at 2-2.
Racing (9-9-7) concluded the weekend in eighth place in the standings, the last playoff position, and holds a two-point lead over ninth-placed North Carolina Courage with only one match to go.
Since joining the league in 2021, Racing has yet to qualify for the NWSL playoffs.
Olivia Moultrie scored both goals for the Thorns in their 2-0 triumph over Angel City in Los Angeles.
The Thorns (10-8-7) achieved their league-record ninth consecutive playoff appearance with this victory.
Angel City (7-12-6) was already out of the playoff race before the match. Their last appearance in the postseason was in 2023.
Moultrie opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a stunning shot from 21 yards, while a penalty conversion in the 60th minute, following a foul on Sara Doorsoun, secured her second goal of the night.
Christen Press came off the bench for Angel City at the 60-minute mark, alongside Ali Riley at the 82nd. Both received a warm standing ovation from fans in their last home game in Los Angeles as they prepare to retire at the season’s end.