Gotham FC Proves They're the NWSL's Ultimate Pressure Performers with Championship 'DNA'
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Many doubted the team's ability to reach this stage. However, as golden streamers cascaded at PayPal Park, nobody could question NJ/NY Gotham FC's deserving status as National Women's Soccer League champions.
Gotham vowed to replicate their 2023 success, and they delivered on that promise.
This represented a seasoned champion displaying their championship instincts. This was the eighth-seeded Gotham defeating the second-seeded Washington Spirit.
A 1–0 victory against Washington came courtesy of an ex-Spirit player who had never claimed an NWSL Championship trophy before: Rose Lavelle. (Interestingly, Lavelle had found the net in the 2023 championship match for Seattle Reign, who fell 2–1 to Gotham that season.)
In San Jose, the Spirit fought hard for 80 grueling minutes, during which neither team dominated significantly and the contest remained goalless, until Bruninha weaved her way into the penalty area and threaded the ball across for Lavelle, who struck a decisive blow from 18 yards with a brilliant first-touch finish into the lower corner.
This approach has become Gotham's trademark. Managing matches strategically so their key players can shine in crucial moments. Stay disciplined, weather the storm, and capitalize when opportunities arise.
And what a spectacular moment Lavelle's strike proved to be. With overtime approaching, the ball sliced through the crisp northern California evening like an unstoppable freight train heading nowhere.
This marks the second championship victory and second piece of silverware for Gotham within the past six months, following their historic triumph as inaugural winners of the Concacaf W Champions Cup with a 1–0 defeat of UANL Tigres.
It also represented Gotham's second NWSL Championship across three campaigns. On both occasions, Gotham entered the postseason as the lowest seed before capturing the title. In the now-legendary words of Gotham midfielder Jaedyn Shaw: "Underdog, my ass."
Narrow 1–0 victories have become Gotham's specialty and Saturday proved no exception. This squad excels in close contests and knows how to handle pressure-packed situations.
"I believe you discover the most about yourself during the most challenging times," Lavelle reflected. "What we experienced during the season really prepared us. We had encountered everything. So nothing felt fresh or unknown entering this match. I think that gave us a significant edge."
Lavelle's championship-clinching goal mirrored Shaw's direct free-kick that secured the semifinal 1–0 triumph over defending champions Orlando Pride. This final resembled the 2023 championship, where Midge Purce excelled, creating two goals for stars Lynn Williams and Esther González.
For Purce, the explanation is straightforward: Gotham possesses "that dawg in them."
"I believe every individual on the pitch had that dawg in them. I must recognize Bruninha, Mandy [Freeman] and Lilly [Reale]. They were exceptional with their offensive play, their impact and containing the Spirit," Purce commented after the match, celebrating with a Cuban cigar. "It's that DNA. It's something unique. And I'm proud of everyone. Gotham DNA."
Much of this "dawg" mentality stems from a foundation of proven Gotham veterans. The 2025 trophy was raised by captain and defender Mandy Freeman. She remains a one-team player, selected by Gotham in 2017, and has experienced all the peaks and valleys.
Gotham's defensive unit merits equal praise alongside Lavelle. Emily Sonnett denied the Spirit's clearest opportunity by throwing her entire frame in front of a Leicy Santos attempt. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, despite not needing to make a single stop due to the flawless organization ahead of her, reacted quickly to collect any speculative through balls.
Juan Carlos Amoros, who joins an exclusive group as only the third NWSL coach to capture multiple titles, assessed the 2025 final perfectly. With left-back Lilly Reale walking a tightrope after receiving a first-half caution, he substituted the defender early in the second period and introduced Bruninha as her replacement. The decision proved inspired.
When everything settles (including the confetti), this championship will be remembered as an upset only in terms of seeding. Gotham has demonstrated that no team enters a final with their mentality and confidence. The capacity to excel on the biggest stage.
Billie Jean King famously stated that "pressure is privilege" but for Gotham, pressure serves as motivation. A clear indication that the moment has arrived to elevate their performance and showcase their finest football.
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