Gotham FC Secures NWSL Championship with Memorable Performance
By Jeff Kassouf | November 22, 2025, 11:57 PM ET
SAN JOSE, Calif. — In the lead-up to the NWSL Championship on Saturday, concerns over the Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman’s future dominated chatter, as speculation arose surrounding the league’s salary cap and its impact on retaining top talent.
However, as the clock wound down at PayPal Park, it was Gotham FC’s midfielder Rose Lavelle who shone brightest. With the game scoreless, Lavelle struck in the 80th minute, sealing a 1-0 victory over the Spirit, much to the delight of head coach Juan Carlos Amoros, who referred to Lavelle’s impact as “magic.”
Gotham’s success, marked by strategic brilliance, led them to their second championship title in just three seasons.
“We put in so much effort to reach this moment,” Amoros expressed. “Becoming a champion is defined the instant the referee blows the whistle. Until then, we strive to be champions, and from that moment, we are champions forever.”
Lavelle’s precise left-footed finish came during a match that predominantly featured midfield battles and few transitional plays. Gotham’s triumph capped off a remarkable playoff adventure, while the Spirit faced disappointment, finishing as runners-up for the second consecutive year.
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Gotham’s victory exemplified the unpredictable nature of knockout soccer, showcasing their resilience and timely performances. They navigated the playoffs with gritty determination, overcoming formidable teams like the record-setting Kansas City Current and the reigning Orlando Pride.
During the championship match, the Spirit faced challenges when Hal Hershfelt, a key midfielder, went down with an injury just before Lavelle’s goal. Washington spent crucial minutes down a player, allowing Gotham fullback Bruninha to exploit the situation and set up Lavelle for the decisive strike from the edge of the box.
The midfield duo of Hershfelt and Croix Bethune sought to control the game for Washington but could not contain the rising talents of Lavelle, Jaedyn Shaw, and Jaelin Howell. While the Gotham squad may not have dazzled at every turn, their efficiency in execution proved advantageous.
Despite the “underdog” label typically attached to them, Gotham boasts a roster filled with star talent, having clinched the Concacaf title earlier this year and consistently positioning themselves at the top of the league.
The irony of Gotham’s journey is not lost, as a club designed for versatility leaned heavily on its standout players during this playoff run.
<p"We knew we had a wealth of talent, and we really relied on that throughout these playoffs," Lavelle stated after the match, wearing her NWSL Championship winners' jersey for the first time. "That was crucial in securing our victory."
Shaw contributed significantly to Gotham’s push, providing both a goal and an assist in the quarterfinals against the top-seeded Current and netting the game-winner in the semifinals against the Pride. But on this day, it was Lavelle’s vital moment that made all the difference.
With two championships in three years and a Concacaf title under their belt, Gotham has mastered the knockout format of the NWSL.
Yet, the true narrative of the NWSL revolves around player performances, such as that of Rodman, who faced limitations due to an MCL sprain and struggled to make her mark in the final 30 minutes. For the second year in a row, she ended her season with an NWSL Championship defeat.
Post-match, Rodman was seen briefly on the bench before making her way across the field to embrace boyfriend Ben Shelton, the tennis star. She remained non-committal about her future, stating that the loss would not dictate her next steps, affirming, “Every team loses.”
Saturday’s narrative, however, belonged to Gotham, a team that found ways to win even when challenges arose. As Lavelle noted, sports and championships are boiled down to pivotal moments, where one team’s brilliance shines while the other faces misfortune.
A single exceptional moment from Lavelle had ultimately elevated Gotham to the pinnacle of success.
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