OL Reign, Canada's Quinn, Huitema defeated as Gotham FC wins 1st NWSL championship

World Cup winner Esther Gonzalez scored the go-ahead goal on a header in first-half stoppage time and Gotham FC survived a wild finish to beat OL Reign 2-1 on Saturday night in a National Women's Soccer League championship match that was in its first few minutes when Megan Rapinoe hobbled off the pitch in a heartbreaking end to her career.

Following a VAR review in stoppage time, Gotham goalie Mandy Haught was issued a red card for denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity and sent off, giving the Reign a chance to tie it.

With defender Nealy Martin taking over in goal, the Reign's Rose Lavelle took a free kick just outside the box but it bounced off a Gotham player along the wall. Gotham was able to run out the clock and marked its first NWSL title with a wild celebration near midfield.

Canadian striker Jordyn Huitema played for 79 minutes, while midfielder Quinn was substituted in the 64th minute.

Going