Midge Purce strikes deciding goal in Gotham victory

Gotham FC collected three points in the NWSL standings on Sunday, defeating Washington 3-2.

The Spirit played down a player for most of the match after Sam Staab picked up a red card in the 5^th minute.

Despite playing with ten on the pitch, Washington struck first. Trinity Rodman, streaking down the left flank, let off a clinical finish from the top of the box to put the team up 1-0 in the 13^th minute.

Textbook @trinity_rodman right here ⚽️💥#WASvNJNY | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/e2gC4wIzPC

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 18, 2021

Gotham didn’t waste much time, equalizing in the 24^th minute with Nahomi Kawasumi punching in a Caprice Dydasco corner kick.

The equalizer from @NahoKawasumi_9‼️#WASvNJNY | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/9TpNQMAIsS

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 18, 2021

Gotham’s set-piece success continued, with McCall Zerboni nodding in a Dydasco corner to put Gotham up 2-1 going into the half.

Answering the call in a big way 😏#WASvNJNY | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/SANqihRomr

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 18, 2021

The Spirit answered early in the second half off a free kick just outside Gotham’s box. Ashley Sanchez lined up over the ball, slotting home a near-post goal to even the match at 2-2.

A perfect 10 💫#WASvNJNY | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/ysAQ7rIcCh

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 18, 2021

After more back-and-forth play, Gotham notched the deciding goal in the 72^nd minute, with Midge Purce poking in a well-placed cross from Ifeoma Onumonu to secure the 3-2 win for Gotham.

Clutch goal? Must be @100Purcent 💯#WASvNJNY | https://t.co/0LtSAUK1Jw | #NWSL21 pic.twitter.com/LIh8fJnVtp

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 18, 2021

Five teams, including Gotham, now sit atop the NWSL standings with 16 points.

Next up: The Spirit will face off against Racing Louisville on July 25. Gotham will host the Red Stars in Red Bull Arena on July 25.