Amanda Gutierres and defender Deja Davis each scored as the Legacy secured a 2-1 victory in their final home game of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season on Friday. The match, played in front of 13,892 spectators, saw Legacy improve their record to 9-14-5, totaling 32 points. Louisville, now 7-18-3 with 24 points, pulled back with a late equalizer but could not find an additional response.
Gutierres opened the scoring nine minutes into the contest. Alba Caño delivered a knuckleball pass to Bianca St-Georges, who crossed into the penalty area. Gutierres then redirected the ball with her left foot past the Louisville defense and goalkeeper for her 10th goal of the season. Although Gutierres started her first match since August 22, a lengthy weather delay delayed her entrance onto the field by about an hour, simulating the experience of coming off the bench late in the game.
Louisville responded 13 minutes later following a defensive lapse. Laís Araújo played a backpass toward Legacy goalkeeper Laurel Ivory, who was making only her third start of the season. Ivory mishandled the ball, allowing Louisville forward Kayla Fischer to capitalize with a simple finish to level the score. Ivory replaced regular starter Casey Murphy, sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a partial tear of the posterior cruciate ligament in her right knee.
Despite the error, Ivory made a crucial save early in the second half, preventing what appeared to be another easy goal after a misplaced backpass from Davis. The Legacy coaching staff, led by Patão, noted these defensive mistakes as areas for improvement moving forward.
In the 51st minute, Davis scored her first NWSL goal with a header off a cross from Sarah Schupansky, restoring the lead for the home side. This goal proved decisive as the Legacy held on for a win that provided a positive note heading into the final two matches of their season.
Patão emphasized the team’s growing defensive cohesion and possession-based style, noting that consistency and patience have helped create more scoring opportunities. With two games remaining, the Legacy will focus on maintaining these improvements and building toward future success.