NWSL Championship: Gotham FC avoid disaster despite keeper red card

A red card on goalkeeper Mandy Haught in stoppage time nearly spelled disaster, but the Gotham FC held on for a 2-1 win over OL Reign in the NWSL Championship.

Haught reached an arm outside the box to bat the ball away, which earned her a handball violation and an ejection for denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity after the first VAR review in NWSL Championship history. With Gotham out of substitutions, defender Nealy Martin took her place in net, donning an oversized goalkeeper jersey.

The ensuing free kick from Reign midfielder Rose Lavelle bounced off the wall of players between her and the net. The final whistle blew moments later, sealing victory for Gotham.

The action-packed match included goals from Lynn Williams and Esther González for Gotham, both off assists from Championship MVP Midge Purce. Lavelle scored the lone goal for the Reign, who played most of the match without retiring star Megan Rapinoe after she exited with a suspected Achilles injury in the sixth minute.

Just Women’s Sports writer Claire Watkins broke down the action in San Diego.

Oh wow. We have VAR for a handball on Mandy Haught, who may have punched the ball outside of the box. She has been ejected.

— Claire Watkins (@ScoutRipley) November 12, 2023

Mandy Haught is sent off after VAR review and @OLReign have a last opportunity 👀

Get to @CBS NOW!#NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/UncaiINKns

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 12, 2023

Gotham does not have any subs to give. A field player is going in goal to end regulation.

— Claire Watkins (@ScoutRipley) November 12, 2023

Rose Lavelle hits the wall, I have absolutely no idea how much time is left. NWSL never ever ever change

— Claire Watkins (@ScoutRipley) November 12, 2023