The spotlight is set on the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship, featuring an intense East Coast rivalry between the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC. Scheduled for Saturday evening in San Jose, this match will determine who takes home the trophy as a two-time NWSL champion.
Let’s take a closer look at how these two teams have performed following the quarterfinals.
Finalists
Washington Spirit; (vs Thorns, 2-0): The Spirit executed their game plan flawlessly, successfully neutralizing standout player Olivia Moultrie throughout the match. In a pivotal moment, Rose Kouassi maneuvered around Kaitlyn Torpey to initiate a counterattack, culminating in Gift Monday’s decisive finish. After a tough loss to the Pride in last year’s final, the Spirit return with an advantage, especially with the looming possibility of Trinity Rodman exploring opportunities outside the league this winter.
NJ/NY Gotham FC (@ Pride, 1-0): Gotham continues to defy expectations. Mirroring their previous season, they secured another surprising win away from home, setting the stage for their quest for silverware in California. Sunday’s match against Orlando saw Gotham struggling offensively, failing to register a shot on goal until stoppage time. A foul outside the box allowed Jaedyn Shaw to score from a free-kick, sealing their win thanks to a remarkable save from Ann-Katrin Berger that denied the equalizer at the very end.
Tales of Woe
Orlando Pride (vs Gotham, 0-1): The absence of Barbra Banda ultimately proved detrimental to the Pride’s chances at defending their title. Despite a lackluster performance against Gotham, they still had opportunities that should have extended their season. While disputing the timing of the final whistle following a corner kick may hold some weight, it wasn’t the sole reason for their elimination. This marks a disappointing ending to what was arguably the most intriguing season across the league.
Portland Thorns FC (@ Spirit, 0-2): From the outset, the Thorns struggled against the Spirit’s aggressive tactics. The Spirit’s relentless pressing effectively neutralized Portland’s attempts at offense, with their first goal originating from a corner kick and the second from an attacking throw-in. While the Spirit displayed superior play, the Thorns might feel aggrieved considering the nature of their exits.
Others Making News
Kansas City Current (coaching changes): In a surprising turn, the Current announced the transition of Vlatko Andonovski from head coach to sporting director. His two-year coaching stint included multiple playoff appearances, along with a Shield and Summer Cup trophy. However, the quarterfinal defeat to Gotham looms large in discussions about his tenure. With no new head coach named yet, Kansas City joins a list of teams, including the Courage and Bay FC, searching for a new leader—a position that might be the most coveted in the current coaching market.
Denver Summit FC (player acquisitions): The Summit has made headlines by signing free agent Kaleigh Kurtz from North Carolina Courage. Known for her reliable presence and popularity in the locker room, Kurtz is expected to take on a pivotal role as the club’s potential inaugural captain. With over 10,000 regular-season minutes to her name, she brings significant experience, and her departure from the Courage follows a notable pattern of key roster changes.
North Carolina Courage (tough losses): The Courage faced setbacks this season, notably losing Kaleigh Kurtz to free agency while also watching Jaedyn Shaw, their former asset, score the goal that propelled Gotham to the title match. Shaw’s impact highlights the challenges faced in team chemistry, as her trade to Gotham followed a lack of synchronization during her time in North Carolina. The fact that Gotham finished just one point ahead of the Courage further emphasizes the competitive nature of the league.
