Washington Spirit and Gotham FC Clash in NWSL Championship Showdown

San Jose, California – The Washington Spirit and Gotham FC are set to meet in the 2025 NWSL Championship on Saturday, marking their 44th face-off in league history.

This thrilling rivalry has reached a new level as both teams aim to secure their second championship title. The last playoff encounter between these clubs was in the 2024 semifinals, where the Spirit triumphed in a tense penalty shootout.

After falling to the Orlando Pride in last year’s final, Washington is eager to reverse its fortunes, holding a strong postseason performance leading up to the big game. The Spirit finished second in the regular-season standings, earning them a quarterfinal home advantage. Their recent PK shootout victory over Racing Louisville saw goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury dubbed the “Yellow Brick Wall” after making two vital saves.

Washington’s offense has also stepped up, with key players like Gift Monday, Trinity Rodman, and Croix Bethune contributing to their scoring efforts this postseason. Defender Tara McKeown has been a pivotal part of the squad, transitioning seamlessly from forward to defender three years ago and earning the Defender of the Year title.

On the other side, Gotham FC aims to make history as the first No. 8 seed to win the championship. The team’s journey to the final was marked by a stunning 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Current, a feat only achieved once before. That win was fueled by a goal from Katie Stengel, assisted by Jaedyn Shaw, who has shone throughout this postseason.

Shaw’s contributions include two goals and an assist, placing her among an elite group of players in playoff history. Gotham’s resilience was on display in their semifinal match against the Orlando Pride, where Shaw scored the decisive goal off a free kick drawn by Rose Lavelle.

With a balanced attack and a resolute defense, both teams are primed for a fierce battle. Washington has struggled when conceding first this season, a factor Gotham may seek to exploit. Each team brings its unique strengths, with players like Midge Purce and Emily Sonnett adding experience and tenacity.

The matchup promises excitement and high stakes, with fans eagerly awaiting the showdown. Tune in on November 22 at 8 p.m. ET to catch the action live on CBS and Paramount+.