Esther González showcased an outstanding performance with two goals and an assist as Gotham dominated Bay FC with a 5-1 victory at Red Bull Arena in a National Women’s Soccer League match. Within a span of just 4 minutes and 20 seconds, González made history by being the fastest player to contribute to three goals in a league game.
Gotham took the lead in the 70th minute when Rose Lavelle headed in a cross from González during a counter attack, marking Lavelle’s sixth goal of the season. Emily Sonnett then scored the third goal for Gotham by redirecting Lavelle’s corner kick for González to find the net. Shortly after, González scored her second goal by tapping in a deflected cross, extending Gotham’s lead to 4-1. Cece Kizer later scored an additional goal in the 84th minute.
Jenna Nighswonger initiated Gotham’s scoring with a penalty shot that deflected off the post and went in on the 9th minute mark. Subsequently, Asisat Oshoala leveled the game at 1-1 in the 18th minute by curling a shot around the goalkeeper with an assist from Racheal Kundananji.
Bay FC, with a record of 9-13-1, had not allowed multiple goals in a match since August 23. In another match, the Kansas City Current triumphed over Racing Louisville with a 2-0 victory, thanks to Temwa Chawinga scoring her 18th goal of the season, equaling the NWSL single-season record previously set by Sam Kerr in 2019. Vanessa DiBernardo netted the second goal with a free-kick in the 86th minute.
Meanwhile, the North Carolina Courage secured a playoff spot by defeating the San Diego Wave 2-1, with Aline Gomes scoring her first NWSL goal and Manaka Matsukubo adding the second goal. Lastly, the Utah Royals emerged victorious against the Thorns with a 2-1 win, courtesy of goals from Hannah Betfort and Mina Tanaka with the Thorns narrowing the gap through a penalty converted by Olivia Moultrie.
