History Repeats Itself in the Queens Classic

In a highly anticipated matchup, Gotham FC faced off against the Washington Spirit in the Queens Classic, a rematch of the 2025 NWSL Championship. The two east coast rivals clashed in a star-studded contest, with the stakes high and the tension palpable.

Source: s.yimg.com

Despite being threatened by the bad weather trifecta of smoke, heat, and rain, the match was able to kick off as scheduled. The temperatures in the high 80s and the rain storm that moved through the area a few hours before kickoff offered some early threats, but it was the smoke from wildfires in Ontario that posed the most significant concern.

Source: s.yimg.com

Under NWSL rules, an air quality index (AQI) between 150 and 180 means that the game must have two hydration breaks per half, and an AQI of over 150 is considered ‘unhealthy’ for all groups, per the EPA. According to the EPA’s AirNow site, the AQI in Flushing was over 170 when the match kicked off.

Source: s.yimg.com

The stands were filled with a sold-out crowd of 42,175, though that likely represented tickets sold rather than fans in attendance. The stadium reported a sold-out crowd, making it the second-largest NWSL crowd in the league’s history and breaking a New York City record for the largest crowd at a women’s professional sporting event.

Reflective of the weather and the smoke, the first half was a bit sluggish, with several stoppages both for hydration and for a handful of injuries. Rookie forward Jordynn Dudley exited the game early with a potential head injury, heading to the locker room in the 32nd minute, and defender Jess Carter came on shortly afterwards as a concussion substitution.

Rose Lavelle then broke through in the 37th minute with a stellar goal, weaving through the Washington back line and burying a tricky shot. The crowd was also there to see Australian forward Sam Kerr, who signed with Gotham last month but who had yet to play. In the second half of Wednesday’s game, Kerr made her return to the NWSL stage, replacing Sarah Schupansky in the 64th minute.

The veteran striker made her presence known immediately, taking a shot on goal less than a minute after subbing in. Washington had multiple chances in the final minutes, with players like Trinity Rodman and Leicy Santos getting shots on target, but the Gotham defense and keeper Ann-Katrin Berger held strong for the 1-0 win.

The game didn’t quite live up to the NWSL’s billing, though there were plenty of exciting points. The weather added a bit of unnecessary danger, and the modified baseball field was at times distracting, but in the end, Gotham got 42,000 fans to buy tickets for an ultimately entertaining win.

The matchup in Queens also offered a sneak preview for Gotham fans: In 2028, the team is set to join New York City FC in Etihad Stadium, which is currently under construction.