Gotham Triumphs Over…

Gotham FC clinched the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup on Friday, securing a 2-0 victory over the Kansas City Current. This match marked the first professional women’s game in Ohio, and Gotham took home the first trophy of the season.

Goals from Esther González and Jordynn Dudley before and after halftime lifted Gotham to victory in this traditional matchup between the previous year’s NWSL Championship winner and the NWSL Shield winner.

“Every time they step onto the pitch, it’s all about winning, being aggressive, and showing our true selves, both offensively and defensively. Their commitment is truly remarkable,” said Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amoros.

The match took place at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio—the future site of a 2028 NWSL expansion team and current home of MLS’ Columbus Crew—before a crowd of 11,369 fans.

González opened the scoring in the 37th minute, converting a penalty kick past Kansas City goalkeeper Marisa Jordan, who replaced the injured Lorena. The penalty was awarded after current captain Lo’eau LaBonta fouled Gotham midfielder Jaelin Howell.

Dudley secured the victory with a goal in the 79th minute after stealing the ball from Kansas City defender Kayla Sharples and finishing one-on-one.

“She has the mentality of a winner,” Amoros remarked about the rookie Dudley, who has participated in every match this season. “She plays beyond her inexperience, able to contribute significantly on both sides of the game.”

Last season, Gotham claimed its second title in three years, winning the NWSL Championship as the No. 8 seed after an impressive upset against Kansas City in the quarterfinals.

Kansas City had a remarkable 2025 season, winning the NWSL Shield while shattering records for points, victories, and goals, finishing 21 points clear of the second-place Washington Spirit.

Gotham’s victory comes despite Kansas City missing star forward and two-time MVP Temwa Chawinga, who was sidelined with an injury.

Before the match, LaBonta spoke about seeking revenge against Gotham after their previous encounter. Kansas City started strong, applying pressure and forcing errors from Gotham’s defense.

In the 8th minute, Current midfielder Croix Bethune tackled Gotham defender Tierna Davidson in the box and produced a shot saved by Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, which deflected off the crossbar.

Kansas City had another chance at the half-hour mark when Bethune set up Chawinga, but Berger thwarted the shot, and the rebound found Haley Hopkins, whose cross to Michelle Cooper went over the bar.

Despite the defeat, Kansas City head coach Chris Armas praised his team’s development: “Although we lost, we are becoming the team we aspire to be. We challenged Gotham in ways they don’t usually face.”

This year, Gotham has also competed for two other titles: the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup and the Concacaf W Champions Cup, losing in the semifinals for both.

The 2026 NWSL regular season will continue next week after a pause for the men’s World Cup, during which several NWSL venues have hosted World Cup teams.

Gotham and Kansas City each sit at 21 points, four points behind league leaders San Diego Wave FC, who have played a higher number of matches.