COLUMBUS, Ohio — Esther González’s first-half penalty and a late strike from Jordynn Dudley propelled Gotham FC to a commanding 2-0 win against the Kansas City Current in Friday evening’s Challenge Cup clash.
Gotham FC earned their spot in this prestigious match as the reigning National Women’s Soccer League champions, while the Kansas City Current entered the fixture as the 2025 Shield winners, recognized for holding the best regular season record.
This exciting showdown took place at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, noted for hosting Ohio’s inaugural professional women’s soccer game.
April saw Columbus being awarded an NWSL franchise, slated to kick off in 2028 and expanding the league to a total of 18 teams. The new team will be under the ownership of the Haslam Sports Group, which also owns the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer.
González capitalized on a penalty opportunity in the 37th minute following a foul by Kansas City’s Lo’eau LaBonta against Jaelin Howell inside the box. Dudley later secured the win with a precise low shot to the far corner, out of reach for Current’s goalkeeper, Marisa Jordan.
The match was scheduled during the NWSL’s summer break for the men’s World Cup. The league resumes the regular season July 3.