OL Reign and Gotham FC Advance to NWSL Championship Match for the First Time

OL Reign and Gotham FC secure championship spots with 1-0 wins, marking retirement game for veteran players Megan Rapinoe and Ali Krieger

OL Reign beat San Diego Wave 1-0 in an NWSL semi-final playoff, with the only goal scored by forward Veronica Latsko in the second half, securing their spot in the championship game.
Gotham FC also advanced to the NWSL championship match after defeating defending champions Portland Thorns 1-0 in extra time, with Katie Stengel scoring the game-winning goal.
Neither OL Reign nor Gotham FC have ever won an NWSL final, ensuring the league will see a new champion this season.
The upcoming championship game marks the retirement match for veteran players Megan Rapinoe of OL Reign, and Ali Krieger of Gotham FC, both longtime NWSL and U.S. women's national team players.
OL Reign managed to limit the 2023 NWSL Shield winner, San Diego Wave, to just two shots in the first half, showcasing strong defensive teamplay.