Gotham FC secures NWSL title with Lavelles decisive goal against Spirit

Rose Lavelle, representing the United States, netted the crucial goal that saw Gotham FC defeat Washington Spirit 1-0, clinching their second NWSL crown within three years on Saturday.

Lavelle fired home a commanding strike with ten minutes remaining, deciding a hard fought title match at PayPal Park in San Jose.

The success held extra significance for the 30 year old Lavelle, part of the Seattle Reign squad that lost to Gotham in the 2023 decider two years earlier.

This result rounded off an enchanting playoff journey for Gotham, entering as the eighth placed qualifiers, in contrast to Washingtons number two position.

"It feels utterly dreamlike, we have trained relentlessly and it proved a grueling encounter," remarked Lavelle, central to the United States victorious 2019 Womens World Cup effort in France.

"We recognise our regular season form fell short of expectations, so these playoffs served to demonstrate to ourselves above all our true capabilities."

Meanwhile, Lavelles fellow United States player Trinity Rodman returned from knee trouble, entering as a second half replacement for Washington, yet failed to spark a response.

Rodmans comeback concluded bitterly, the forward hobbling away after seeming to land awkwardly during added time while Washington sought a leveller.