Rose Lavelle scores as Gotham defeats Spirit in NWSL Queens Classic
ESPN Soccer • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 2:46 AM
Last updated Jul 16, 2026
Gotham FC secured a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit at Citi Field on July 16, 2026, with a decisive goal from Rose Lavelle in the 37th minute. The match drew a crowd of over 42,000, despite concerning air quality due to smoke from wildfires. Lavelle's goal mirrored their previous encounter in the 2025 NWSL Championship where she also scored the lone goal. In the second half, Sam Kerr made her return to the NWSL, coming off the bench in the 64th minute. The Spirit pressed forward in the closing minutes, but Gotham's defense held strong to maintain the lead.
- •Gotham FC defeated Washington Spirit 1-0 in Queens Classic.
- •Rose Lavelle scored in the 37th minute to secure the win.
- •Match attended by over 42,000 fans, setting a record for women's professional sports in NYC.
- •Sam Kerr returned to NWSL, playing her first match for Gotham this season.
- •Game took place amid unhealthy air quality conditions.
- 5:48 AMESPN Soccer — Kerr returns for Gotham in sold-out Queen City win...
- 3:13 AMYahoo Sports — Lavelle scores, Gotham beats the Spirit 1-0 at Citi Field with record crowd of 42,175
- 2:46 AMYahoo Sports — Rose Lavelle banger gives Gotham win over Spirit in Queens Classic as Sam Kerr makes NWSL return
"Rose Lavelle scored in the first half and Gotham FC beat the Washington Spirit 1-0 on Wednesday night in a match at Citi Field that was dubbed the Queens Classic. The game was a rematch of the last year’s National Women's Soccer League championship game, which Gotham also won 1-0 on a goal from Lavelle. Gotham (8-3-3) announced that the game was a sellout with 42,175 tickets sold, a record for a women's sporting event in New York City.
"Sam Kerr made her highly anticipated return to Gotham FC and the NWSL on Wednesday, coming off the bench in a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit in front of a record-breaking crowd at Citi Field.
"More than 40,000 fans filled Citi Field to watch Gotham pick up a 1-0 win despite dangerous air quality readings.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerJul 16, 2026, 5:48 AMKerr returns for Gotham in sold-out Queen City win...
Sam Kerr made her highly anticipated return to Gotham FC and the NWSL on Wednesday, coming off the bench in a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit in front of a record-breaking crowd at Citi Field.
- Yahoo SportsJul 16, 2026, 3:13 AMLavelle scores, Gotham beats the Spirit 1-0 at Citi Field with record crowd of 42,175
Rose Lavelle scored in the first half and Gotham FC beat the Washington Spirit 1-0 on Wednesday night in a match at Citi Field that was dubbed the Queens Classic. The game was a rematch of the last year’s National Women's Soccer League championship game, which Gotham also won 1-0 on a goal from Lavelle. Gotham (8-3-3) announced that the game was a sellout with 42,175 tickets sold, a record for a women's sporting event in New York City.
- Yahoo SportsJul 16, 2026, 2:46 AMRose Lavelle banger gives Gotham win over Spirit in Queens Classic as Sam Kerr makes NWSL return
More than 40,000 fans filled Citi Field to watch Gotham pick up a 1-0 win despite dangerous air quality readings.
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