Lavelle’s Goal Secures NWSL Championship for Gotham FC
Championship Victory
Rose Lavelle netted the decisive goal in the 80th minute, leading the eighth-seeded Gotham FC to a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship held on November 22, 2025. This win marks Gotham FC’s second NWSL title, showcasing their remarkable journey through the playoffs.
Key Moments of the Match
After a dynamic start that featured three shots from Gotham’s Jaedyn Shaw in the opening ten minutes, the match transitistartd into a tense affair with few scoring opportunities. The game witnessed a pivotal moment when Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt executed a perfectly timed slide tackle, momentarily disrupting the rhythm of the game.
Gotham’s offensive pressure culminated in Lavelle’s goal, set up by second-half substitute Bruninha. The Brazilian’s penetrating run into the left wing allowed her to deliver a precise cross that Lavelle expertly converted with a left-footed shot into the corner, outpacing Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury.
This championship title is particularly significant for Lavelle, as it represents her first NWSL championship, despite her previous appearance in the finals with the Seattle Reign in 2023.
Match Statistics
Despite the Spirit maintaining marginally more ball possession at 53%, their performance fell short in offensive effectiveness. Gotham outshot Washington 12-6, with the Spirit failing to record any shots on target throughout the match. The introduction of U.S. women’s national team star Trinity Rodman into the lineup did not translate into scoring opportunities, as she also registered no shots or chances created.
Previous Finals Insights
The Washington Spirit, having finished the season with a 14-6-8 record, suffered their second consecutive defeat in the NWSL final, adding to the disappointment following their loss to the Orlando Pride in 2024. The Spirit reached the 2025 final after defeating Racing Louisville in a penalty shootout and beating the Portland Thorns in the semifinals.
In contrast, Gotham FC’s journey to the finals was marked by impressive upsets, including a road victory against the top-seeded Kansas City Current and a narrow victory over the defending champions, the Orlando Pride. Finishing the season with an 11-8-9 record, Gotham became the first eighth-seeded team to win the NWSL Championship, following their previous historic win as the sixth seed in 2023.
Coaching Achievement
Head coach Juan Carlos Amoros added to his accolades with this championship win, further solidifying his reputation in the league with seven playoff victories throughout his career.
As Gotham FC celebrates this pivotal victory, the team’s resilience and ability to surpass expectations will remain a defining narrative of the 2025 NWSL season.