The Washington Spirit and NJ/NY Gotham FC square off on Saturday at PayPal Park with the 2025 NWSL Championship up for grabs. Washington returns to the final for the second straight year, while Gotham is trying to continue another improbable playoff run after sneaking into the postseason as the eighth seed and knocking off two heavyweight opponents on the road.

Both teams come in after dramatic and emotionally exhausting quarterfinals. Washington survived a wild ending and advanced past Racing Louisville in penalties thanks to Aubrey Kingsbury’s clutch shootout saves and another electric Audi Field atmosphere. Happily, they then sailed through their semifinal match against Portland Thorns FC. Gotham’s path was even more chaotic: a stunning road win over the record-setting Kansas City Current, followed by a gritty shutout against the Orlando Pride.

Put all that together, and you get a final that feels unpredictable in the best way — high-energy, fast, and full of storylines.

🌟 Key Player: Washington’s Attacking Third

Washington’s attack has been the heartbeat of this team all season, and even with the lineup shifting week to week, they still find ways to create danger. Rosemonde Kouassi’s pace forces backlines to drop deeper than they want, Gift Monday has become that sneaky “right moment, right angle” runner who pops up exactly where defenders don’t expect her, and Croix Bethune rarely takes two touches when one well-timed pass will do. And of course, even limited minutes from Trinity Rodman can flip the whole energy of a match — her presence alone changes the way opponents defend.

Together, they’ve built an attacking group that moves quickly, isn’t afraid to take risks, and can stretch Gotham in multiple directions.

👀 Watch Out For: Esther González, Lilly Reale & Emily Sonnett

Esther González

González is the definition of a big-moment striker. She’s clever with her movement, she doesn’t need many touches to make something dangerous happen, and she’s at her best when the box gets crowded. If Washington’s back line loses track of her even for a second, she’ll punish it.

Lilly Reale

Reale has grown into one of Gotham’s most reliable defenders this season. She reads the game early, steps into passing lanes with confidence, and brings a calmness that settles the entire back line. Against a Spirit attack that loves to run in behind, her timing will matter — a lot.

Emily Sonnett

Sonnett’s versatility is one of Gotham’s biggest advantages. She can slide between roles, break up plays before they develop, and her physicality gives Gotham a bite in midfield they’ll desperately need. When Washington starts to build momentum, Sonnett is usually the one putting out fires.

Together, this trio gives Gotham a strong spine — one who scores, one who anchors, and one who disrupts.

🚨 Challenges

Washington Spirit:

• Staying organized in transition — Gotham counters with speed

• Keeping up with Shaw drifting between lines

• Maintaining energy after a long, physical playoff run

• Breaking down a Gotham defense that has been incredibly disciplined this postseason

Gotham FC:

• Handling Washington’s recent tempo, where the Spirit have played with confidence

• Defending wide areas, especially when Kouassi pushes high

• Keeping possession long enough to relieve defensive pressure

• Managing Esther’s minutes as she returns from injury

• Avoiding giving Washington too many set-piece looks

⏪ Previously

Gotham stymied Washington 3-0 in the first first regular season meeting, and two matches since then in league play and the Concacaf W Champions Cup have ended in scoreless draws.

With both teams hitting form at the right time, this feels like a match that won’t be decided until the final moments. 

📋 Availability

Gotham FC

🤕 Out: Tierna Davidson (SEI – knee), Taryn Torres (SEI – knee)

❓ Questionable: None

Washington Spirit

🤕 Out: Gabby Carle (thigh), Ashley Hatch (maternity leave), Lyza Jessee (SEI – wrist), Casey Krueger (maternity leave), Ouleye Sarr (SEI – back), Andi Sullivan (maternity leave)

❓ Questionable: None

📍 Location: PayPal Park, San Jose CA

⏰ Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET

🧑‍⚖️ Referee: Natalie Simon

📺 Watch: CBS, Paramount+