By Noah Zimmerman
noah@queensledger.com
Confetti flew in Manhattan on Monday to celebrate another NWSL title for Gotham FC. The Bats won their second women’s soccer title in three years, emerging as a dark horse from the 8th and final seed in the playoffs to beat the top-seeded Kansas City Current, 4th seeded Orlando Pride, and ultimately the 2nd seeded Washington Spirit.
From June 13 until October 5, Gotham were only defeated once across all competitions. The run of 9 wins and 6 draws saw them rise up into postseason contention while also helping them qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals in May of 2026. With the amount of talent on the roster, it was shocking to see Gotham finish so low in the standings. Still, when it came to the postseason they looked more than up to the task.
Leading the line all year for Gotham was Esther González, a veteran Spanish striker. González scored 13 goals in the NWSL campaign, adding another pair in Champions Cup action. USWNT star Rose Lavelle scored 6 in the regular season, but her biggest of the season came in the Cup final against Washington. After a series of stepovers by Brazilian international Bruninha, Lavelle unleashed a first-time strike from the top of the box.
The ball curled past Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury and into the left hand corner of the net, with the Gotham players swarming to embrace the potential game-winning goalscorer. Gotham were able to see out the final 10 minutes of regulation, as well as 7 minutes of added time before the final whistle blew to crown them champions.
With multiple members of the USWNT on the Gotham roster, USA legend Megan Rapinoe was seen celebrating on the pitch with her former teammates. Gotham has five members of their roster called up for the USA’s upcoming friendly matches against Italy. Joining Lavelle are defenders Lilly Reale and Emily Sonnett and midfielders Jaelin Howell and Jaedyn Shaw.
Additionally, four other Gotham players will be joining their national teams for upcoming matches. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger will suit up for Germany as they take on Esther González and her Spanish national team. Bruninha and Gabi Portilho will both head to Europe with the Brazilian national team for a pair of friendly matches against Norway and Portugal.
