Lavelle finally makes Gotham FC debut, promptly scores late equalizer

Lavelle’s debut took a little longer than expected, but it proved to be worth the wait

Rose Lavelle’s Gotham FC debut took a little longer than expected, but it proved to be worth the wait.

The U.S. women’s national team star was one of Gotham’s marquee offseason additions, but missed her team’s first five games of the season while nursing a lower leg injury.

Lavelle finally made her first Gotham appearance on Sunday, coming on as a 74th-minute sub in her team’s game against Racing Louisville at Red Bull Arena.

The visitors appeared to seal a late victory when rookie Reilyn Turner gave her side a 1-0 lead in second-half stoppage time, but there would be some even later drama provided by the Gotham debutant.

Louisville goalkeeper Katie Lund failed to deal with a high ball into the box in the 97th minute, giving Ella Stevens the chance to lay the ball back to Lavelle. The World Cup winner took a first-time shot with her right foot that ricocheted off the post and in, giving her side a 1-1 draw.

Seeing Lavelle back is undoubtedly good news for club and for country, with the Bats in the midst of a slow start in league play and the Olympics set to kick off in less than three months.

Speaking after the game, Lavelle summed up her debut (and the league as a whole) succinctly, saying: “That’s the NWSL — it’s wild but it’s fun.”

Watch Lavelle’s debut goal for Gotham FC

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