Gotham FC’s fourth-minute own-goal advantage stood up against Seattle Reign, sending the defending champions into another NWSL semifinal.
By Richard ScalzoPhotography by Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentNovember 8, 2026 · Sports Illustrated Stadium · Harrison, New Jersey
Gotham FC defeated Seattle Reign FC 1–0 in the NWSL playoff quarterfinals on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. A fourth-minute own goal separated the teams, while Seattle pushed for an equalizer that never counted.
1–0Gotham over Seattle
4′Jordyn Bugg own goal
5–11Shots, Gotham–Seattle
11,328Attendance
Early lead, narrow margin
Jaedyn Shaw sent a corner kick toward the near post, where Seattle defender Jordyn Bugg’s attempted clearance deflected past goalkeeper Claudia Dickey. Gotham led before either team had settled into the match.
Seattle created more chances, outshooting Gotham 11–5 and placing three efforts on target. Gotham did not register a shot on goal. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger made three saves to preserve the lead.
The ball reaches the goal area during the Gotham FC–Seattle Reign match. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed Moment
In the 59th minute, Nérilia Mondésir put the ball in Gotham’s net after a pass from Jess Fishlock, but the apparent equalizer was ruled out because Fishlock had been offside earlier in the move. The Reign continued to press, and Gotham’s defense held through the final whistle.
“Yes, we did not have the best game, but we added another clean sheet.”— Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós, quoted in Gotham FC’s official match recap
A Gotham FC player sends the ball forward while challenged by an opponent. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed Moment
The field becomes part of the story
The playing surface drew criticism from both teams after the game. The stadium had hosted a New York Red Bulls match the previous evening, and players and coaches described the grass as uneven and sandy. Seattle veteran Jess Fishlock called it “atrocious” in remarks reported by CBS Sports.
The quarterfinal was Fishlock’s final professional match. She had played for Seattle since the league’s inaugural 2013 season.
The semifinal is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, at 3 p.m. ET. Gotham moves on despite limited attacking opportunities, while Seattle’s narrow defeat ends its season.
Gotham FC supporters display flags and signs in the stands. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed Moment
From the sidelines: Photo gallery
Original photography from the match and around Sports Illustrated Stadium. Select any photograph to see it larger; use the arrows to move through the gallery.
Match action
A Seattle Reign player stretches for possession during the quarterfinal. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentA Seattle player contests a ball in the air during the quarterfinal. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentThe Seattle Reign goalkeeper claims an aerial ball during the match. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentA referee and match ball on the field during the NWSL quarterfinal. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentGotham and Seattle players move toward a ball in the air. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentGotham FC and Seattle Reign players compete for possession. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentPlayers contest an airborne ball during the NWSL playoff match. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentAn aerial challenge between players in the quarterfinal. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentPlayers gather on the field in team huddles during matchday. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentPlayers from both teams chase possession during the quarterfinal. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentA close ball challenge between Gotham FC and Seattle Reign players. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentA Gotham player is down near the sideline during an on-field challenge. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentGotham FC number 20 walks toward the goal during play. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentGotham FC number 4 plays the ball along the touchline. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentGotham FC number 4 moves the ball during the quarterfinal. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentPlayers track the ball near the goalmouth during the quarterfinal. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentA goalkeeper looks on from the goal during the NWSL quarterfinal. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed Moment
Supporters and matchday
A young Gotham FC supporter wearing team face paint before the NWSL quarterfinal. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentPyrotechnics at Sports Illustrated Stadium during the Gotham FC–Seattle Reign quarterfinal. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentThe box office at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentA pregame vocal performance on the field at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentA Gotham FC crest display outside Sports Illustrated Stadium before the match. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentA supporter cheers from the stands during the quarterfinal. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentGotham FC players greet young matchday participants. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentGotham FC players gather together on the field. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentA participant on the field during the Gotham FC–Seattle Reign matchday. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentA supporter wearing teal and black face paint at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed MomentA DJ speaks into a microphone during Gotham FC matchday activities. Richard Scalzo / A Fixed Moment
Reporting and image credits: All photographs by Richard Scalzo / A Fixed Moment, photographed at the November 8, 2026 quarterfinal. Match statistics and coach’s comments were cross-checked with Gotham FC and Seattle Reign FC; field-condition comments are attributed to CBS Sports. The semifinal venue update comes from Gotham FC’s November 9 announcement.
