After enduring more than 180 matches over the span of eight months, the moment has arrived: a champion of the 2025 NWSL will be crowned this Saturday.
The final matchup features NJ/NY Gotham FC, previous champions from two years ago who entered this season’s playoffs as the lowest seed, and the Washington Spirit, who were runners-up to the Orlando Pride last year.
As we approach the championship match, ESPN analysts Joseph Lowery and Megan Swanick explore the significant storylines, including underdog narratives and Trinity Rodman‘s contract situation, while making their predictions for the outcome.
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Underdog: Which team’s presence in the final is the bigger surprise this season?
Lowery: I understand where Jaedyn Shaw is coming from with her “underdog? Not a chance!” comments. Throughout the playoffs, NJ/NY Gotham has pushed back against the underdog label attached to their journey from the eighth seed to the finals. Yet, here I am again, calling them the underdogs.
The difference in seeding doesn’t indicate a vast disparity between the teams. In fact, with Trinity Rodman’s health uncertain, the gap between the Spirit and Gotham may be negligible. Still, the Spirit have demonstrated strong playoff performances and appear to be the favorites.
This might work in Gotham’s favor. Coach Juan Carlos Amorós, who led his team to victory as a low seed in 2023, isn’t easily rattled by expectations. They won’t be fazed by anyone counting against them.
Swanick: For me, Gotham stands out due to their playoff path. They faced a daunting challenge having to play the record-setting Kansas City Current, who were dominant throughout the season, finishing 21 points ahead in the standings. Many, myself included, wrote them off.
However, they pulled off an astonishing victory in Kansas City, and then defeated the reigning champions, Orlando Pride, in the semifinals. Given their talented roster, it’s not entirely surprising, but the odds were stacked against them.
Player to watch: Who is the player that could determine the outcome of the game?
Lowery: While Rosemonde Kouassi may not be the biggest name on the field, she has been critical to the Spirit’s success in 2025. Apart from teammate and striker Gift Monday, no player from either team who played over 1,000 regular-season minutes has seen a higher average of expected goals plus expected assists per game than Kouassi, according to American Soccer Analysis.
A dynamic winger with exceptional service, the 23-year-old has assisted in every postseason match so far. It’s not only her service that poses a threat; her skill at timing off-ball runs and her impressive speed can disrupt any defense.
If Jaedyn Shaw charges forward up the left flank, Gotham may find themselves short in managing Kouassi’s speed and service.
Swanick: My pick is Ann-Katrin Berger. The 2024 Goalkeeper of the Year has continued to showcase her skills this season for Gotham. The 35-year-old has a history of delivering match-saving performances for both club and country, including helping Germany secure a win over France at the Euros, as well as her recent standout performance against Kansas City.
While goalscorers often steal the spotlight, Berger has been pivotal in Gotham’s playoff successes. She made seven crucial saves against the Current and delivered several key saves against Orlando, including a remarkable stop in the dying seconds to maintain a clean sheet. Washington possesses a strong attacking lineup, but an exceptional showing from Berger could lead Gotham to their second Championship.
Like a script: Which outcome would create a more compelling storyline?
Lowery: What could be more captivating than a team clinching two Cinderella championships in three years?
Gotham’s triumph as the lowest-seeded playoff team in 2023 was already remarkable. Achieving the same feat again two years later would provide an abundance of narrative material, leading me to label a Gotham victory as the more storybook outcome.
Additionally, a Gotham win would provide more storyline depth to the Trinity Rodman contract saga. If the Spirit emerge victorious and are unable to secure Rodman against bigger offers, at least they’ve gained another NWSL title for their efforts. Conversely, if they lose, letting Rodman go could be a severe blow.
Swanick: I agree with Joe. Fans love a good underdog tale, even if Gotham contests that position. Two championships in three years is nearly fairy-tale material. Furthermore, the comments from Jaedyn Shaw, who remarked “underdog? No way!” after defeating the Shield winners add an intriguing subplot to the narrative.
The 20-year-old has made an impact since her arrival in Gotham, delivering stellar performances. If she continues her scoring streak in the final, her journey would be a remarkable story in itself.
Versus: Which on-field matchup piques your interest the most?
Lowery: Both Washington’s Adrián González and Gotham’s Juan Carlos Amorós prefer to control possession, but their methods differ slightly. Gotham finished the regular season with the second-highest possession rate at 53.4%, while the Spirit were fifth at 52.5%, based on FBref data.
So, which team will seize control of the game at a neutral venue?
If Gotham does, they’ll likely use their possession to minimize the Spirit’s scoring chances, having allowed the second-fewest expected goals against in the regular season. On the other hand, if Washington takes the initiative, they may take calculated risks in possession, as they generated the highest expected goals in the league.
Each team wishes to dictate the game in their unique way. Which one will succeed?
Swanick: The clash between Tara McKeown and Esther González is crucial. Gotham’s Spanish striker notched 13 goals and one assist in 23 matches this season, narrowly missing the Golden Boot, while recovering from injury and a recent goal drought.
However, Esther has proven her ability to excel on the big stage and is no stranger to scoring pivotal goals. As the top scorer in this summer’s Euros and the key figure in Gotham’s previous championship, she is always a threat near the goal.
McKeown’s role as the NWSL’s 2025 Defender of the Year is essential in curtailing Esther’s chances, promising to be a fascinating duel to follow during the final.
Now for the predictions: Who will win and what will the final score be?
Lowery: The Spirit might need to be cautious about over-committing when attacking, yet I’m inclined to favor them as the more in-form and threatening offensive side. Should Trinity Rodman be fit enough to contribute off the bench, they should be able to secure the victory. My prediction is a 2-1 win for the Washington Spirit.
Swanick: Both teams possess strong defenses, but I foresee both scoring, leading to a tie after 120 minutes. The championship will ultimately be decided by penalties. With elite goalkeepers like Aubrey Kingsbury and Ann-Katrin Berger between the posts, it will be a thrilling penalty shootout, which I believe Gotham will emerge from victorious.