Two powerhouse teams, the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC, are set to face each other in San Jose for the NWSL Championship. As each squad vies for their second league title, a significant question hangs in the air: Will Trinity Rodman be on the field?
The Spirit, seeded second, enter as the favorites but faced surprising competition from the eighth-seeded Gotham FC, who defeated last year’s champions, Orlando Pride, in a stunning upset. While this matchup is not exactly a classic underdog story, Gotham has had its ups and downs; however, they do come with a championship pedigree from two years ago and have a standout MVP candidate in Esther Gonzalez.
Trinity Rodman remains the center of attention for the Spirit as Gonzalez and the new Gotham team welcome Jadyn Shaw under coach Juan Carlos Amoros. Rodman, who recently returned from a sprained MCL with a brief appearance in the Spirit’s 2-0 victory over the Portland Thorns, is currently not on the injury report. Coach Adrian Gonzalez confirmed that she is “available” to play, raising hopes for her participation. If this is indeed her last game in the NWSL, given that her contract expires at season’s end, it certainly adds extra motivation.
How to Watch the NWSL Championship and Betting Odds
- Date: November 22nd (Saturday) | Time: 8:19 PM ET
- Location: PayPal Park — San Jose, California
- TV: CBS | Streaming: Paramount+
- Odds: Washington Spirit +130; Draw +210; Gotham FC +190
- Live Updates: Spirit vs. Gotham
Projected Lineup
Washington Spirit: Aubrey Kingsbury, Rosemond Quassi, Esme Morgan, Rebecca Bernal, Tara McCune, Kate Weisner, Hal Hirschfeld, Lacey Santos, Croix Bethune, Trinity Rodman, Gift Monday.
Rodman’s participation is pivotal; during the 16 matches she played this season, the Spirit won nine, resulting in a +15 goal difference. Conversely, her absence saw the team win just four of 11 games and suffer a -3 goal difference. If she can’t start, Italian international Sofia Cantore may take her place, but Gift Monday is also a key player, having netted 10 goals this season.
Gotham FC: Ann-Katrin Berger, Bruninha, Emily Sonnette, Jess Carter, Lily Leal, Jaelynn Howell, Jadyn Shaw, Rose LaBelle, Gabi Portillo, Midge Peirce, Esther Gonzalez.
Despite challenges on the offensive front, Gotham’s defense has remained solid this season, largely thanks to efforts from Gonzalez, who has scored 13 goals and is just two behind the MVP, Temwa Chawinga. Shaw’s impressive form has also contributed to filling the gap left by key offseason departures.
Prediction
Both teams come into this championship match loaded with narratives and motivations that promise an exciting and tightly contested game. Given last year’s semifinals, which saw the Spirit advance on penalties against Gotham, fans should expect a thrilling showdown highlighted by standout performances. Shaw has been in excellent form, contributing to all of Gotham’s playoff goals, and could be the difference-maker once again. Final prediction: Washington Spirit 1, Gotham FC 2 (after extra time).
Fan Take: This championship is not just a fight for the trophy; it’s a pivotal moment for women’s soccer as it showcases the growing intensity and talent in the league. The outcome could have lasting implications for the players’ careers and the league’s popularity, making it a must-watch for fans.
