3 things we learned from Gotham FC's Queens Classic win over the Spirit

On a hot, smoky, and at one point before the match, rainy Wednesday, NJ/NY Gotham FC hosted the Washington Spirit for a battle of the NWSL Championship opponents. However, the matchup did not take place in New Jersey. Rather, it took place in Queens at Citi Field in what was a well-advertised event known as the Queens Classic. 42,175 fans filled the stadium despite the poor air quality throughout the day.

The record-breaking crowd for the highest-attended women’s sporting event in the Big Apple witnessed a 1-0 win for Gotham FC. Rose Lavelle scored the lone goal for the Bats. But the team would not have won without Ann-Katrin Berger either, for she had nine saves during the game.

It was not the best offensive effort per se by the NJ/NY side, but they utilized possession to help with the attack. Moreover, they were clinical when it mattered. And once again, they were lights out defensively. The backline was strong, but Berger really was the hero, especially with her saves at the end of the game. The Spirit came so close to leveling the score, but the goalkeeper kept the clean sheet.

As always, there is so much that can be discussed. Here are three things we learned from the match between Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit.

Sam Kerr made her Gotham FC debut

One of the world’s best strikers and Gotham FC's recent signing, Sam Kerr, made her debut when she came on as a substitute in the second half. Of course, this is not her debut for the team since she played with the club during the Sky Blue FC days. Still, she made her return and her debut for the 2026 season and played in her first game in the league since 2019.

Having a player of her caliber is great for the NJ/NY side and the NWSL. But more importantly, Kerr’s return will force a friendly team competition between her and Esther González. Ideally, this will help the Spaniard find her goal-scoring self again, and that was seen over the weekend when she scored her brace.

Meanwhile, Kerr had a good stint in her first game. She had one shot and a few solid offensive moments in her time on the pitch. It is only a matter of time before she scores her first goal.

Rose Lavelle’s goal was incredible

With the heat, air quality, and the quality of Gotham and Washington, the match was not expected to be high-scoring. That did not mean that there were not going to be goals. There was one. And Lavelle’s goal was one to see.

The Bats' constant pressure caused the Spirit to give up the ball, with Jaelin Howell and Lavelle working hand-in-hand to regain possession. As such, Lavelle took the ball and maneuvered around a defender with ease and trickery. The midfielder swiftly brought herself at an angle of the left side of the goal before she took her shot. A combined golazo and a chip over Washington’s goalkeeper, Sandy MacIver, put Gotham ahead.

It was just a brilliant goal and perfectly fitting for an event like the Queens Classic. Sure, fans likely would have liked a few more goals, but again, the conditions and the quality of both sides made it easy to end in a low-scoring result.

Gotham FC had a successful Queens Classic

Gotham FC had a sell-out of the Queens Classic and won the game. It was a record-breaking attendance for the most fans at a club game and a women's sporting event in New York City. Therefore, it is easy to say that it was a successful event.

But what made it more successful was that the team turned it into a full afternoon and evening surrounding soccer. They had a watch party for the semifinal match of the World Cup, a fan fest, supporters decked out in Gotham gear, and more.

There were also many athletic stars and fellow New York teams represented, like the Knicks and NYCFC. As a whole, Gotham FC brought many together in Queens for a great day and game.

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