Rose Lavelle Fires Gotham FC to Historic NWSL Championship Win

Midfielder Rose Lavelle scored an 80th-minute winner to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory for Gotham FC over the Washington Spirit. The match was the 2025 NWSL Championship final, played on November 23rd at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. This victory marks Gotham FC’s second league title in just three years.

It was a historic triumph defined by resilience. Gotham FC became the first eighth-seeded team ever to win the NWSL championship, completing a stunning underdog playoff run.

Lavelle’s Decisive Strike Seals Gotham’s Title

The game’s lone goal came from a sharp buildup in the final ten minutes. Substitute Bruninha drove into the box from the left flank before cutting a pass back to Lavelle near the penalty spot. Lavelle calmly finished with her left foot, sending the ball low into the far corner past Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury.

The goal was a moment of pure elation for Lavelle and her teammates. According to Reuters, Lavelle credited her teammate, saying Bruninha “did the heavy lifting” on the play. The strike broke a tense deadlock in a match where clear chances were scarce for both sides.

Gotham’s Improbable Playoff Run Defies Odds

Gotham FC’s path to the championship was remarkably difficult. As the lowest seed, they had to win two road playoff games just to reach the final. They defeated the top-seeded Kansas City Current and the defending champion Orlando Pride in consecutive weeks.

Coach Juan Carlos Amoros masterminded the unlikely success. His team showed remarkable grit throughout a challenging season plagued by injuries and a congested schedule. This championship is his second NWSL title, solidifying his reputation as a top tactical mind in the league.

Spirit’s Attack Stifled in Final Defeat

The Washington Spirit struggled to create meaningful opportunities all night. Despite having more possession, they failed to record a single shot on target. Their offensive woes were a key factor in the loss.

Star forward Trinity Rodman entered as a second-half substitute but was not at full strength. She was managing a knee sprain suffered in October. Rodman expressed frustration post-game, stating she did not feel like her “full self” during the match.

Gotham FC’s 2025 NWSL Championship win is a testament to perseverance and tactical discipline. The victory, sealed by Rose Lavelle’s cool finish, cements the club’s status as a modern dynasty in women’s soccer.

Thought you’d like to know

How did Rose Lavelle perform in the final?

Lavelle was the match-winner. She scored the decisive goal in the 80th minute and was a composed presence in midfield throughout the contest, helping control the game’s tempo for Gotham.

Why was Gotham FC’s win considered historic?

Gotham became the first eighth-seeded team to ever win the NWSL title. No team had ever won the championship from such a low playoff position before this victory.

What went wrong for the Washington Spirit?

The Spirit failed to test the Gotham goalkeeper. They had zero shots on target despite controlling over half of the possession, and their key attacker, Trinity Rodman, was limited by a recent injury.

How many NWSL titles has Gotham FC won now?

This is Gotham FC’s second NWSL Championship. They also won the title in 2023, making them the first club to win two trophies in the league’s current competitive era.

Where was the 2025 NWSL Championship final held?

The final was hosted at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. The stadium is also the home of Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes.