Carli Lloyd scores in last NWSL regular-season game

Carli Lloyd’s final regular-season NWSL game came to a storybook ending on Sunday, with the veteran scoring a goal in front of a raucous Red Bull Arena crowd.

The 39-year-old’s family was in attendance for her last regular-season match with Gotham FC after announcing her retirement from the sport in August. Lloyd will take the pitch with Gotham FC at least one more time in the team’s Nov. 7 playoffs match against the Red Stars in Chicago.

Lloyd’s goal came in the 53^rd minute, heading down a lofted cross to put Gotham up 1-0. The go-ahead finish received extended applause from the crowd in Red Bull Arena, with fans heard chanting Lloyd’s name.

WHO ELSE BUT @CarliLloyd?! #NJNYvLOU | https://t.co/bONPZnnmCJ | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/5wViVSfL0u

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 31, 2021

Racing Louisville dampened the party, responding in the 69^th minute with Cece Kizer slotting home a penalty kick for the equalizer to make it 1-1.

.@cecekizer from the spot 🎯#NJNYvLOU | https://t.co/bONPZnnmCJ | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/OyMhvIbvVl

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 31, 2021

The 1-1 draw didn’t impact playoff position for either team, with Gotham FC remaining in the fifth seed and Racing Louisville already out of contention before Sunday’s match.

Next up: Gotham FC will travel to Chicago on Nov. 7 to take on the Red Stars in their quarterfinal matchup.