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Midge Purce strikes deciding goal in Gotham victory

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Mike Lawrence/ISI Photos

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 5th 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 13th minute.

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

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

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.

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

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.