SAN JOSE, California :Rose Lavelle's late strike secured a 1-0 victory for Gotham FC over Washington Spirit on Saturday to deliver an unlikely second NWSL Championship title for the eighth-placed regular season side at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.

Gotham started brightly with some early half-chances, but Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury was on form to keep the match goalless.

Washington looked to shift the momentum in the second half, introducing Trinity Rodman as a substitute for Sofia Cantore in the 57th minute to energise their attack. However, Rodman's efforts failed to break down Gotham's resolute defence.

Lavelle's moment arrived 10 minutes before the end, the 30-year-old midfielder scoring her sixth goal of the season to spark jubilant celebrations and crown a memorable

See Full Page