Gotham FC secured a 1-0 victory against the Washington Spirit in the first-ever National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) match held in New York City. The historic event, known as the Queens Classic, took place at the sold-out Citi Field in Flushing on Wednesday night, drawing a record-breaking attendance of 42,175 fans. This marked the first women's sports event hosted at the 17-year-old ballpark.
The crowd size surpassed previous New York women's sports attendance records, including the 2023 U.S. Open women's singles final, and stands as the second-largest NWSL crowd in league history. Only a match in Denver in March has seen a larger turnout.
Midfielder Rose Lavelle scored the decisive goal in the 37th minute, her shot sailing over the head of Spirit goalkeeper Sandy MacIver. This single goal was enough to secure the win, as Gotham FC's defense shut out the Washington Spirit, a rematch of the 2025 NWSL championship game.
Beyond the scoreline, the event represented a significant step for Gotham FC, which has evolved from playing at smaller venues to establishing a new home at Etihad Park starting in 2028. NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman highlighted the event's importance, stating, "I think my favorite thing about tonight is that it isn’t transactional. It’s not a one-and-done. This is the beginning of a new relationship for this team in Queens."
The NWSL also views the match as a catalyst for growth, capitalizing on the momentum from the ongoing FIFA World Cup. The league continues to see rising attendance figures.
The game also marked the return of striker Sam Kerr, a former Gotham FC player (then known as Sky Blue FC) from 2015 to 2017. Kerr, who holds the NWSL regular-season goal record and played for Chelsea, entered the match in the second half to enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Anticipation for the historic event was high among attendees. Fans expressed a sense of joy and community, with one fan, Rysa, describing the atmosphere as "joyful" and a "safe, uplifting environment." Rysa, who hosts a women's sports-focused knitting club, organized an outing to the match.
The celebration of women's sports in New York continues, with Gotham FC scheduled to host the Seattle Reign at Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island on Saturday.