HARRISON, N.J. — Gotham FC battled to a hard-fought 0–0 draw against the Washington Spirit on Saturday afternoon, overcoming more than an hour with 10 players following a first-half red card to forward Geyse.
The home side started strongly, controlling 73 percent of possession in the opening 10 minutes and pinning Washington deep in their half. In the 23rd minute, Geyse nearly broke the deadlock, firing just wide from the left side of the box. Two minutes later, Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury denied Esther González, while Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger comfortably handled Washington’s first real chance.
However, momentum shifted in the 30th minute when Geyse was sent off for violent conduct following a VAR review. Post-match, Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós questioned the decision and expressed frustration over what he described as inconsistent officiating.
“I saw two players fighting for the ball and then one player accidentally stepped on the other — no intention [of violent conduct],” Amorós said. “Then, seven minutes later, a Washington player steps on Jess Carter and there’s no check. We can be the team that receives the most fouls in the league, but we’re multiplying by four or five the times we get players sent off. That’s not acceptable.”
Following the sending-off, the Spirit intensified their pressure, capitalizing on their numerical advantage. Rosemonde Kouassi rattled the post from a well-struck ball, and Berger was forced into several crucial saves, including stops against Kouassi, Gift Monday and Esme Morgan, to maintain her clean sheet.
Gabi Portilho did find the back of the net in the early moments of the second half, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul called by the referee. Amorós lamented the decision, calling the goal “perfectly legal.” He added, “There was one goal in the game, it was our goal, and the referee took it away. So you play with 10 players, you get goals disallowed, and you end up with one point instead of three.”
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Gotham rallied in the closing stages. Portilho tested Kingsbury, who was forced into action and made a diving save in stoppage time, while Lilly Reale and Emily Sonnett came close on set-piece chances.
Amorós praised the collective effort and resilience of his squad, singling out several players for their performances.
“They rose to the challenge, worked for each other, and did what we asked them to do before being down to 10 players,” he said. “Jaelin Howell in the six was unbelievable. Jess Carter pushed through her limits. Every sub came in and helped — Gabi, Katie [Stengel], Nealy [Martin], Midge [Purce], Kayla [Duran]. That’s a team.”
Saturday also marked the NWSL and Gotham debut of defender Kayla Duran, the club’s ninth new professional debut of the season. “I think she was outstanding as well,” Amorós added.
With the NWSL playoff race tightening, Amorós believes his team’s grit can carry them far. “Since we went to Mexico, we’ve won two trophies, only lost once… Every point counts — if you don’t get three, get one. If we play with that winning mentality and bravery, we have every tool to compete for the championship.”
This result extends Gotham’s unbeaten streak to four and leaves their record at (5-5-5). As the NWSL playoff race intensifies, Gotham will look to build on this gritty performance when they return home to face the Houston Dash on August 17, a crucial opportunity to turn draws into wins and strengthen their postseason hopes.
