Washington Spirit Falls Short Again in NWSL Championship

For the second consecutive year, the Washington Spirit fell short in the NWSL Championship. Last season, they were defeated by Orlando in a match that featured two late goals; this time, it was a singular decisive moment in a contentious, defensive battle that denied them another opportunity at the trophy.

Entering the final, the Spirit appeared poised for success: Rodman had returned from her injury, Croix Bethune was back to her dynamic form, and Tara McKeown, fresh off being named Defender of the Year, anchored their defense. However, the team struggled to maintain its usual offensive momentum, and a poor clearance in the 80th minute allowed Gotham to break through and score.

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

The Spirit forward admitted she wasn’t 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 I’ve reached a final not feeling my best. It saddens me, but I was just trying to contribute as much as I could. I definitely underperformed.”

After conceding the goal, Washington struggled to create a sense of urgency. Despite late substitutions intended to inject energy, Gotham managed to control the closing stages of the match and held on for the victory. Spirit coach Adrian Gonzalez reflected on managing Hal Hershfelt’s late substitution, acknowledging it could have been better timed.

“It obviously took maybe longer than we expected, but a player like her always wants to play, especially in a final. I can understand that, but we need to learn from these circumstances. She wanted to be with the team, and that’s the only reason we can say the substitution was late.”

The defeat stings deeply for a Spirit team that felt this was their year, especially after last season’s near miss. Fans are also left wondering if this was Rodman’s final appearance for the team amid ongoing speculation about her interest from overseas. Rodman stated afterward that nothing has been decided.

“Like I’ve always said, we’re sisters forever,” she emphasized.

The Spirit still has a strong roster, including players like Gift Monday, Hal Hershfelt, and Aubrey Kingsbury, raising the question of whether they will reassess the team or continue to build on their established core.

Throughout the championship week, speculation loomed regarding whether Trinity Rodman would depart the Spirit after this season. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman assured reporters that the league would “fight for her” to remain, while Rodman maintained a consistent message: “I’ve made no decisions.”

After the match, when asked whether the outcome would influence her decision, Rodman responded decisively, “Every team loses.”

Rodman has been linked to a potential move to Europe, a transition that could pose challenges for Washington, especially with the Women’s Super League operating without a salary cap. Additionally, there have been reports of a possible move within Washington, with the USL’s D.C. Power seen as a potential alternative.

The USL also lacks a salary cap.

Rodman’s season has been a rollercoaster, marked by injuries and interruptions, yet her impact when on the field has been significant. Even a brief nine-minute appearance in the semifinal showcased her ability to energize the team and help propel them forward.

Throughout the week, from the NWSL Awards to Media Day to training sessions, Rodman appeared focused and engaged with her teammates. However, with her contract expiring this offseason, critical decisions lie ahead.

Meanwhile, Gotham demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the playoffs, overcoming significant setbacks. Emily Sonnett acknowledged that the team had underperformed during the regular season but found their stride in the postseason.

“It wasn’t a secret that we underperformed,” Sonnett stated in an interview with CBS’s Good Morning America. “Making the playoffs was definitely that reset moment this team needed.”

Entering the playoffs as the eighth seed, Gotham possessed an unspoken belief that they could surprise their opponents. They managed to eliminate two of the league’s top teams, the Kansas City Current and the Orlando Pride, earning their second NWSL Championship appearance in three years. While Washington boasted a superior regular-season record, Gotham peaked at the right moment, bolstered by the late-season addition of Jaedyn Shaw and the return of Rose Lavelle, alongside significant contributions from rookies such as Lilly Reale, Sarah Schupansky, and Sofia Cook.

Head coach Juan Carlos Amorós has successfully guided Gotham to two titles, underscoring the standard he has set for the team.

“We worked so hard for this moment,” he remarked. “To become a champion is defined by the moment the referee blows the whistle. Until that moment, you’re striving to be a champion—and then you’re a champion forever.”

Gotham’s victory cannot be discussed without acknowledging Lavelle’s substantial impact. The U.S. international, who had long sought an NWSL Championship, finally achieved that goal on Saturday night at PayPal Park, securing both the title and MVP honors.

This year marked a much-anticipated return for Lavelle, following more than a year of recovery from ankle surgery. Upon her return, she quickly reestablished her influence with both Gotham and the U.S. women’s national team.

Her impact was immediate, bringing the creativity and technical acumen that both her club and country had been missing. On Saturday, that combination proved to be the difference-maker.

Lavelle joined Gotham in 2024 after leaving the Seattle Reign, arriving alongside U.S. national teammates Emily Sonnett, Crystal Dunn, and Tierna Davidson. She quickly integrated into the team, often highlighting the collective effort behind their playoff success.

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

With a strong core led by Lavelle, the future appears bright for the NWSL side in the New York metro area.