Gotham FC will face the Washington Spirit in the NWSL Championship this Saturday. The team looks to build on recent successes despite a challenging season.
Gotham FC, the 2023 NWSL champions, has reached the semifinals for the third year in a row. However, the 2025 season was difficult, with the team finishing eighth in the regular season. Changes in their attacking players contributed to this drop, which the team plans to address in the offseason.
As Gotham prepares to play the Washington Spirit in the NWSL Championship on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, Jaedyn Shaw has become a bright spot. Since joining from the North Carolina Courage in September, Shaw has scored important goals in matches against the Kansas City Current and Orlando Pride.
Even after losing center back Tierna Davidson to a season-ending injury early on, Gotham's defense has stayed strong. The team has been among the best in the league defensively, allowing an average of only 0.9 goals per game this season.
Gotham's offense has struggled compared to last year. They average 11.4 shots per game, down from 14.1, and their expected goals have also dropped. The departure of key players like Yazmeen Ryan and Lynn Biyendolo has made scoring more difficult.
Shaw has stepped up to fill the gap left by former players. In nine games with Gotham, she has created chances and scored goals. Her partnership with MVP nominee Esther Gonzalez will be important as they aim to win the championship.
As Gotham FC gets ready for the championship, attention will focus on Shaw and Gonzalez. Their performance could be crucial for the outcome of the match and the team's future success.
