Gotham Triumphs in NWSL Championship, Spirit Faces Uncertainty

omidbasir- For the second consecutive year, the Washington Spirit fell short in the NWSL Championship. Last season, they were defeated by Orlando due to two late goals; this time, a critical moment in a tightly contested match denied them another chance at the trophy.

The Spirit entered the final with everything seemingly in their favor: Trinity Rodman had returned from injury, Croix Bethune was regaining her dynamic form, and Tara McKeown, fresh off being named Defender of the Year, anchored the defense. However, the team lacked its signature attacking prowess, and a careless transition, exacerbated by a poor clearance, allowed Gotham to secure a decisive goal in the 80th minute.

“We had difficulty maintaining possession and being patient in the final third,” said Rodman after the match.

The Spirit forward 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. It feels like the second year in a row that I’ve reached a final not feeling quite myself. I tried to contribute as best I could, but I definitely underperformed.”

After conceding the goal, Washington struggled to generate urgency. Despite late substitutions aiming to add energy, Gotham managed the closing moments effectively to secure the win. Spirit coach Adrian Gonzalez reflected that he could have better managed Hal Hershfelt’s late substitution.

“It took longer than we expected, but a player like her always wants to play, especially in a final. In hindsight, the late substitution may have been a mistake, but she was eager to contribute,” he explained.

The loss is particularly painful for the Spirit, who believed this was their year following last season’s near miss. Speculation regarding Rodman’s future with the club loomed large among fans, as reports of overseas interest circulated. Rodman stated afterward that no decisions have been made regarding her future.

“As I’ve always said, we’re sisters forever,” she remarked.

The Spirit still possess a strong roster, with players like Gift Monday, Hal Hershfelt, and Aubrey Kingsbury, leading to the question of whether they will reassess the squad or continue building on their established core.

Amid championship week, speculation swirled about Rodman’s potential departure following this season. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman expressed the league’s commitment to retain her, while Rodman maintained, “I’ve made no decisions.”

After the match and the disappointment of another final loss, Rodman was asked if the result might affect her choice. Without hesitation, she replied: “Every team loses.”

Rodman has been linked with a possible move to Europe, which could be challenging for Washington to counter, especially with the WSL lacking a salary cap. There are also rumors of a potential move within the D.C. area, particularly to the USL’s D.C. Power, which similarly does not have a salary cap.

This season has been tumultuous for Rodman, filled with injuries and inconsistent play, yet her impact when fit has been undeniable. Even her brief appearance in the semifinal was crucial in lifting the Spirit’s energy and helping advance the team.

Throughout the week—from the NWSL Awards to training sessions—Rodman appeared focused and optimistic, fully engaged with her teammates. However, with her contract expiring this offseason, significant decisions are on the horizon.

In contrast, Gotham’s playoff journey has exemplified resilience. Despite being the eighth seed, they entered with a quiet confidence that they could defy expectations. They successfully eliminated two of the league’s top teams, the Kansas City Current and Orlando Pride, securing their second NWSL Championship appearance in three years. While Washington boasted the better regular-season record and was riding momentum from their finals run, Gotham peaked at just the right moment. The late-season acquisition of Jaedyn Shaw proved pivotal, alongside the return of Rose Lavelle and substantial contributions from rookies like Lilly Reale, Sarah Schupansky, and Sofia Cook, enhancing the team’s depth.

Head coach Juan Carlos Amorós has now led Gotham to two titles, a significant achievement reflecting the high standards he has established.

“We worked diligently for this moment. Becoming a champion begins with the referee’s whistle and continues until that moment arrives—then you remain a champion forever,” he stated.

Gotham’s victory highlights Lavelle’s significant impact. The U.S. international had long sought an NWSL Championship, which she finally secured on Saturday night at PayPal Park with a decisive goal that also earned her MVP honors.

This year marked Lavelle’s long-awaited return after over a year of recovery from ankle surgery. Once reestablished, she quickly regained her influential role for both Gotham and the U.S. women’s national team.

Her presence brought a creative spark and technical acumen that both her club and country desperately needed, and on Saturday, that combination made all the difference.

Lavelle joined Gotham in 2024 after departing from Seattle Reign, arriving alongside fellow U.S. national team players Emily Sonnett, Crystal Dunn, and Tierna Davidson. She has quickly integrated into the team and emphasizes the collective effort that fueled their postseason success.

“We have such a special group, and I’m thrilled to win this with them,” she remarked.

With a solid core, led by Lavelle, the future looks promising for the NWSL side in the New York metro area.

“The sky’s the limit. We can achieve so much with this group, and we leaned on that throughout our playoff run, which ultimately paid off,” she told ESPN.