USWNT star Rose Lavelle scored a last-gasp equalizer on her debut for Gotham after returning from injury.
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Rose Lavelle scores on Gotham debutBats draw 1-1 with Racing USWNT star finally returns from injuryWHAT HAPPENED?
In a brief cameo, the U.S. international made it a debut to remember for the Bats, netting a poacher's goal to draw Gotham level in the dying minutes.
The winger capitalized from a goalkeeping blunder that saw the ball drop right in front of her feet near the edge of the box. She took advantage to fire home in clinical fashion, with teammates swarming around her to celebrate.
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Lavelle has missed lamost the first two months of the season due to injury after picking up the knock following USWNT duty at the CONCACAF W Gold Cup in early March. The 28-year-old moved to the Bats as a free-agent in the offseason, and Sunday marked her long-awaited debut ahead of a busy campaign ahead.
It's good news for both Gotham and the USWNT, as Lavelle's health will be crucial to the success of the U.S. at the Paris Olympic Games – and in the NWSL campaign for her club.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR GOTHAM AND LAVELLE?
Gotham takes on the North Carolina Courage next weekend in an East Coast clash between the two NWSL sides. The Bats will look to make it three wins in three matches, while Ashley Sanchez and Co. will look to pull off an early-season double over them after an initial victory on March 30.