NWSL Championship Showdown: Gotham FC vs. Washington Spirit

SAN JOSE, Calif. — NJ/NY Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós stated that the ultimate outcome of Saturday’s NWSL Championship against the Washington Spirit at PayPal Park will be determined by the players.

“The main characters of the game are the players,” Amorós remarked during a press conference on Friday. “As coaches, we aim to create scenarios for them to effectively respond to various situations. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the game remains unpredictable, placing the responsibility squarely on the players’ shoulders.”

Trinity Rodman of the Washington Spirit emerges as a notable figure in this championship final, not only for her team but also for the entire NWSL. With her contract set to expire next month, sources indicate that she is receiving more lucrative offers from teams in England and the USL Super League—offers that the NWSL is currently unable to match due to salary cap constraints.

Rodman has faced challenges this season, having played sparingly since spraining the MCL in her right knee last month. She returned to action for the final five minutes of last week’s semifinal victory. On Friday, Spirit head coach Adrián González confirmed that Rodman is “available and ready to compete,” though he did not specify how extensively she might participate.

During Friday’s training session, Rodman wore a black sleeve over her right knee, consistent with her recent practice. She expressed optimism about her health, stating, “I feel great. Getting another week under my belt has been a positive experience. I’m grateful for the minutes I was able to play last weekend and hope to contribute again this weekend, even if it’s just for a few more minutes.”

This championship will be the 44th encounter between the Spirit and Gotham FC, more than any two teams have faced each other in league history. Last year, the two teams met in the semifinals, where the Spirit triumphed in a penalty shootout.

Gotham FC, the lowest seed (No. 6) in the playoffs last year, captured the 2023 NWSL Championship and enters this year’s final as the No. 8 seed. They are also the reigning Concacaf champions, having won the inaugural regional event in May.

The Spirit, which won their sole NWSL Championship in 2021, is vying for a second consecutive title after losing to the Orlando Pride in last year’s final. Following a lively walkthrough practice on Friday, González emphasized that the Spirit will maintain consistency in their approach, despite the challenges faced throughout the season, including injuries and coaching changes.

Rodman’s health remains a concern, and defender Gabby Carle will miss the match due to a hamstring injury suffered during the quarterfinals. González mentioned, “We take risks every day. We will continue to adhere to our identity and what has been working for us throughout the season.”

On the other hand, Gotham FC’s season has been marked by inconsistency despite their Concacaf title. They dropped a match to the North Carolina Courage on the final day of the regular season, resulting in their eighth and final playoff seed, before achieving an upset victory over the record-setting Kansas City Current in the quarterfinals.

Midfielder Rose Lavelle reflected on the season, saying, “It’s been quite a rollercoaster. We’ve experienced significant highs and lows, along with extensive travel. However, this adversity has allowed for greater roster rotation and has prepared us for these critical moments.”