SAN JOSE, CALIF. -- In a match an entire year in the making, it was a moment of brilliance that separated Gotham FC from Washington Spirit in the 2025 NWSL Championship final , thanks to veteran midfielder Rose Lavelle.

The two teams have played each other more times (45) than any other team in NWSL history, surpassing the famed Pacific Northwest rivalry between the Portland Thorns and the Seattle Reign. In recent years, the matches have been more tightly contested, and with added meetings outside of the league during the 2025 Concacaf W Champions Cup, it was only natural that the 2025 NWSL Championship felt as cagey as it did at times.

It took a moment of brilliance by Lavelle late in the game for Gotham to finally capitalize on the possession they happened to retain while the Sp

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