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Lavelle Delivers 80th-Minute Winner as Gotham FC Wins 2025 NWSL Title

From eighth place, Gotham eliminated Kansas City Current then Orlando Pride en route to the trophy.

Overview

  • Gotham beat Washington Spirit 1-0 at PayPal Park in San José on Nov. 22, with Rose Lavelle named the final's MVP.
  • The winner came from outside the box off a pass from Bruninha after Hal Hershfelt suffered an injury that left Lavelle unmarked, and Hershfelt was substituted immediately afterward.
  • An Esther González finish in the fifth minute for Gotham was disallowed for offside, and clear chances were scarce until the late breakthrough.
  • The title caps a postseason run from the last playoff berth, echoing Gotham’s 2023 feat, after ousting top-seeded Kansas City Current and defending champion Orlando Pride.
  • Washington fell in a second straight final under interim coach González following Jonatan Giráldez's midseason departure, and star Trinity Rodman enters an expiring contract with reported interest from England.