Gotham FC captured the 2025 NWSL Championship with a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit, as Rose Lavelle’s late goal in the 80th minute secured their second title in three years.
The match unfolded on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, before a sellout crowd of 18,000 fans. Gotham, seeded eighth, faced the second-seeded Spirit in a contest marked by intense physicality and defensive resilience from both sides. Early aggression from Gotham’s Jaedyn Shaw tested the Spirit defense, but the first half concluded without a goal, setting up a tense finale.
The deadlock was broken in the 80th minute when substitute Bruninha drove down the left wing and delivered a precise cross into the box. Lavelle calmly side-footed the ball past Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury into the bottom corner, sealing the win for Gotham. This moment of brilliance capped a dramatic playoff run and highlighted Lavelle’s clutch performance under pressure.
Lavelle, named the game’s Most Valuable Player, expressed elation after the match, stating, ‘We’ve had a rollercoaster of a year, so to get this is the icing on the cake.’ She credited Bruninha for the assist and emphasized the team’s unity and talent, which propelled them through a challenging season and improbable playoff journey. Her goal also marked a personal milestone, as she had previously scored in the 2023 final while with Seattle but lost to Gotham.
Gotham’s coach, Juan Carlos Amorós, celebrated his second NWSL championship, becoming one of only three managers in league history to achieve multiple titles. ‘It’s a dream come true,’ Amorós said, praising his players’ dedication and the competitive spirit of the NWSL. Under his leadership, Gotham made history as the first eighth seed to win the championship, building on their 2023 victory as the first sixth seed.
The Washington Spirit endured their second consecutive loss in the NWSL final, having fallen to Orlando in 2024. Offensively, the Spirit struggled throughout the game, failing to register a single shot on target. Trinity Rodman, limited by a knee injury, entered as a substitute but had minimal impact, with Rodman admitting, ‘I still don’t feel like I was my full self tonight,’ reflecting the team’s frustration.
Gotham’s path to the title was a testament to their resilience, as they defeated top-seeded Kansas City Current and defending champions Orlando Pride on the road in the playoffs. This underdog achievement underscores the depth and determination of the squad, who overcame injuries and a grueling schedule to lift the trophy. The victory solidifies Gotham’s reputation as a rising force in women’s soccer.
Looking ahead, this win sets a new benchmark for underdog stories in the NWSL and could inspire greater parity in the league. Gotham will aim to build on this success with core players like Lavelle, while the Spirit must regroup from back-to-back final disappointments. The event highlights the growing popularity and competitive nature of women’s sports, with implications for future seasons and fan engagement.
