3 things we learned from Gotham FC's expected loss to the KC Current

Well, after 11 games, the unbeaten streak is over.  NJ/NY Gotham FC lost to the Kansas City Current on the road, 2-0, in what was not a terrible performance.  However, some mistakes allowed the teal team to pounce on the black and sky blue side, subsequently reminding the entire NWSL why they won the NWSL Shield.

Bia Zaneratto and Temwa Chawinga scored for Kansas City due to the inability of the Bats to defend a corner kick and then defensive errors in the backline, respectively.  But again, it was not a poor performance like the last time the two sides met.  Rather, the NJ/NY side fought until the final whistle, trying their best to create any threatening opportunity.

Alas, the Current closed down Gotham FC on multiple attacking sequences, limiting them to just two shots on target.  Funny enough, the visiting team outshot their opponents eight to seven.  The difference was that Kansas City had five shots on target.  Unfortunately, Shelby Hogan, who was in for the injured Ann-Katrin Berger, could not secure a clean sheet like the Bats did in the last two matches.

While there were concerns about how the loss could impact Gotham FC in the table, it was not shocking that the result went the way that it did.  So, here are three things we learned about the loss to the Current.

Gotham FC may need to rely on others

If Gotham FC wants to finish in the top four, then they might have to rely on other NWSL teams.  The loss was expected, but it certainly hurt them in the fight to secure a home playoff game.  Of course, the draws against Bay FC and Seattle Reign FC did not help.  However, with two matches remaining in the regular season, where they finish might depend on others, especially if they fail to win one or both of the remaining fixtures.

Fortunately, some results have helped them already this weekend.  Seattle and the Washington Spirit ended their respective matches in a draw.  If Angel City FC wins or draws their game, then Gotham will secure a playoff spot due to the Washington draw.  At the same time, the Reign’s failure to win keeps the team below the Bats in the standings.

Still, third place to eighth is even tighter, with three points separating the sides.  Plus, the Orlando Pride’s win has them in third place, pushing Gotham FC to fourth.  Yes, the Bats will remain there until next week.  But this puts the pressure on the NJ/NY side, where anything less than six points out of the final six is not good enough.

Esther González is falling behind

Esther González is still Gotham FC’s leading scorer, with 13 goals in the NWSL.  Moreover, for a good portion of the season, she was in the lead of the Golden Boot race. 

But in true González fashion, who in the past has gone through periods with multiple goals and without, she has failed to score in the last four NWSL matches.  As such, Chawinga was able to catch up and take the lead.  And, as known, she scored for the Current against Gotham, bringing her tally to 15.

So, the Bats’ striker is falling behind and risks not winning the Golden Boot.  With two fixtures left, that accomplishment is starting to seem more and more unlikely.  Yet, if she were to score a brace like she has done so multiple times for club and country in 2025, then she could easily tie Chawinga.  But the KC star can also score as well.  Additionally, if they end the season tied on goals, then the player with the most assists, which is currently the Current player, would win.

So, González needs to find the back of the net in the final two games.  Otherwise, she will not win the Golden Boot.

Shelby Hogan did decently well for Gotham FC

Hogan might have given up two goals.  However, the first one was impossible to save, and she needed her defense to close down Bia to keep the goal from happening.  Then, a mistake from Jess Carter, who truthfully did not have a strong performance, led Chawinga to her shot and tally.

But Hogan did well despite the loss.  She had three saves for Gotham FC, and her awareness kept the Bats from giving up more goals.  Goal differential matters, and it could be the difference in where the team stands at the end of the regular season.  Hence, the backup goalkeeper was vital, regardless of earning no points.