Gotham FC’s slow start continued with a 2-1 away defeat to Kansas City on Saturday. After winning last season’s NWSL championship, the Bats have opened the 2026 campaign with one win, two losses and three draws.

“They were more clinical than us,” acting head coach Shaun Harris said after the loss. “We’re still dealing with the same issue — getting chances but not putting them away. It’s something we’ve been focusing on, and we’ll keep pushing to get it right.”

With head coach Juan Carlos Amorós unavailable as he awaits the birth of his second child, Harris took charge of the Bats at CPKC Stadium.

Jaedyn Shaw Scores in Return

Returning star Jaedyn Shaw looked sharp in her first action after missing three consecutive matches due to a hamstring injury. Shaw scored the opening goal of the match with a precisely slotted effort in the 29th minute.

The 21-year-old attacker started alongside Midge Purce and Esther González as Gotham’s front three in a 4-3-3 formation.

Shaw’s net-burster ended a three-match goalless drought for Gotham.

“For me to be able to score is nice, especially coming off an injury,” Shaw said. “It was good to score, but it was a tough [game].”

Debinha tied the match for Kansas City in the 37th minute, and Michelle Cooper put the Current ahead in the 60th minute.

Gotham chased after the match with Harris making several attack-minded substitutions, but the Bats were unable to find a late equalizer.

Injury Concern for Kayla Duran

A 12th-minute injury to Kayla Duran will also be of concern to Gotham. She went off injured in the 18th minute with a suspected knee injury. The 26-year-old was replaced by captain Tierna Davidson.

Duran will be evaluated when the club returns to New Jersey.

Davidson was later subbed off for Sarah Schupansky in the 61st minute.

“I feel like we were starting to build momentum, especially after the Orlando game, and looking better on the ball,” Harris stated. “At the same time, the break is needed. It’s been a long stretch, and players need that recovery. We would have liked to finish on a stronger note, but now it’s about resetting, refocusing and getting back to work for the next game.”

With the international break coming, Gotham will have plenty of time to prepare for their April 25 home match against Bay FC.

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