Washington Spirit Falls Short Again in NWSL Championship

omidbasir- For the second consecutive year, the Washington Spirit fell short in the NWSL Championship. Last season, they were defeated by Orlando, who scored two late goals. This year, a pivotal moment in a tense and defensive match prevented them from contending for the trophy once more.

Entering the final, the Spirit appeared poised for success: Rodman had returned from injury, Croix Bethune was back to her dynamic form, and Tara McKeown, fresh off being named Defender of the Year, anchored the defense. However, the team struggled to find their usual offensive rhythm. A critical misstep in transition, compounded by a poor clearance, enabled Gotham to secure an 80th-minute breakthrough.

“We had a hard time keeping it and being patient in the final third,” Rodman remarked following the match.

Rodman also acknowledged that she was not at her best during the Championship match. “As much as I don’t want to admit it, I still don’t feel like I was my full self tonight, which is disappointing. This is the second year in which I’ve reached a final without feeling like myself, and that saddens me. I was just trying to contribute as much as I could, but I definitely underperformed.”

After conceding the goal, Washington struggled to generate a sense of urgency. Despite late substitutions attempting to inject energy into the game, Gotham managed to control the final moments and secure the win. Spirit coach Adrian Gonzalez admitted that he could have better managed Hal Hershfelt’s late substitution.

“It obviously took longer than we anticipated, but a player like her always wants to be on the field, especially in a final. We need to learn from this situation,” he explained after the match.

The loss is particularly painful for a Spirit team that believed this was their year following last season’s near miss. Fans are also left wondering if this will be Rodman’s final appearance for the club, given reports of interest from overseas. Rodman reassured her commitment, stating, “Like I’ve always said, we’re sisters forever.”

The Spirit still boasts a deep roster with players like Gift Monday, Hal Hershfelt, and Aubrey Kingsbury among others. The pressing question now is whether they will reassess their roster or continue to build upon their established core.

Championship week was marked by speculation regarding Rodman’s potential departure from the Spirit. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman stated that the league would “fight for her” to remain, while Rodman maintained her stance, indicating, “I’ve made no decisions.”

After the match, when asked if the result would impact her choice, Rodman did not hesitate: “Every team loses.”

Rodman has been linked to a possible move overseas, which could pose a challenge for the Spirit, particularly with the Women’s Super League operating without a salary cap. Reports have also suggested a potential transfer within D.C., with the USL’s D.C. Power being considered as an alternative.

The USL also does not have a salary cap.

Rodman’s season has been a rollercoaster, filled with injuries and intermittent appearances. However, her contributions have been significant when she has played, including a crucial nine-minute cameo in the semifinal that energized the Spirit.

Throughout the week leading to the championship, from the NWSL Awards to Media Day and training sessions, Rodman appeared focused and optimistic, fully present with her teammates. Yet, with her contract expiring this offseason, critical decisions loom.

Meanwhile, Gotham’s journey to the finals was marked by resilience. Acknowledging their underwhelming regular season performance, Emily Sonnett noted the playoffs acted as a much-needed reset for the team. “Making the playoffs was definitely that reset moment that this team needed.”

Entering as the eighth seed, Gotham harbored a quiet belief in their potential to surprise the league. They successfully eliminated two top-tier teams, the Kansas City Current and Orlando Pride, earning a second NWSL Championship appearance in three years. Despite Washington’s superior regular-season record and their own finals experience, Gotham peaked at the right moment. The late-season acquisition of Jaedyn Shaw proved crucial, while the return of Rose Lavelle, along with significant contributions from rookies like Lilly Reale, Sarah Schupansky, and Sofia Cook, provided essential balance and depth.

Head coach Juan Carlos Amorós has now led Gotham to two titles, showcasing the high standards he has set for the team. “We worked so hard for this moment. To become a champion is when the referee blows the whistle. Until that moment, you’re striving to be a champion, and once it’s achieved, you’re a champion forever.”

Gotham’s victory cannot be discussed without recognizing Lavelle’s profound impact. The U.S. international had been part of many competitive teams, but securing an NWSL Championship had eluded her until this moment at PayPal Park. Her decisive goal solidified Gotham’s second title in three seasons and earned her MVP honors in the process.

This year marked a long-awaited return for Lavelle, following more than a year of recovery from ankle surgery. Upon her return, she swiftly reestablished herself for both Gotham and the U.S. women’s national team.

Her influence was immediate, bringing a creative spark and technical sharpness that both her club and country desperately needed. On Saturday, that combination made all the difference.

Lavelle joined Gotham in 2024 after departing from Seattle Reign, arriving alongside U.S. national team colleagues Emily Sonnett, Crystal Dunn, and Tierna Davidson. She quickly integrated into the team and often emphasizes the collective effort behind their playoff success. “We have such a special group, and I’m thrilled to win this with them,” she stated.

With a strong core led by Lavelle, the future appears promising for Gotham in the New York metro area as they continue to advance in the NWSL.