In a thrilling culmination to the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, two formidable teams—Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit—are set to clash in the championship final this Saturday night in San Jose. The matchup promises an electric atmosphere as Gotham, the eighth-seeded underdogs, take on the Spirit, who finished second in the regular season standings. Both clubs have tasted championship glory before: Washington lifted the trophy in 2021, while Gotham claimed their maiden title two years later in 2023. Despite being the underdogs, Gotham’s blend of talent, resilience, and tactical discipline means they cannot be underestimated against a potent Spirit side.
### Goalkeepers: The Last Line of Defense
One of the most compelling storylines heading into the final is the showdown between two world-class goalkeepers: Gotham’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Washington’s Aubrey Kingsbury. Both keepers have been instrumental in their teams’ playoff runs, delivering match-winning performances under intense pressure.
Berger, who was named the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024 and is a favorite for the 2025 award, stood tall in Gotham’s stunning upset over the regular season Shield winners, Kansas City. She made seven crucial saves that day, helping Gotham secure a memorable victory. Similarly, Kingsbury was heroic for the Spirit in their first-round playoff win against Racing Louisville, making seven saves in 120 minutes and then two more in the penalty shootout to seal the result. Their semifinal performances were equally impressive, with both keepers producing highlight-reel saves that kept their teams’ championship hopes alive.
While it’s unlikely these two will face direct shots from one another—unless the final goes to penalties—their battle to command their respective defensive lines and make key saves could ultimately decide the championship. A single moment of brilliance from either goalkeeper could swing the outcome in favor of their side.
### Defensive Backbone: Emily Sonnett Against Washington’s Attacking Threats
Gotham’s defensive solidity has been a cornerstone of their success this season. The team conceded just 25 goals during the regular season, the second-fewest in the league, and recorded the second-most clean sheets. Much of this defensive strength owes to veteran center-back Emily Sonnett, who has enjoyed an outstanding year for both club and country.
Sonnett’s role will be critical in containing Washington’s diverse attacking arsenal. Despite injury setbacks to players like Croix Bethune and Trinity Rodman—Rodman is still regaining full fitness and came off the bench late in the semifinals—the Spirit boast multiple goal-scoring threats. Five Washington players have scored four or more goals this season, compared to three with Gotham, and collectively, the Spirit have netted 42 goals, the second-highest tally in the league behind Kansas City.
To succeed, Sonnett will need to organize her backline effectively, working in tandem with fellow center-back Jess Carter to stifle the Spirit’s attacking creativity. Preventing Washington’s forwards from finding rhythm and space will be a key challenge for Gotham’s defense.
### Striker Showdown: Esther González vs. Tara McKeown
The battle between Gotham’s top scorer Esther González and Washington’s stalwart center-back Tara McKeown is another crucial tactical duel. González, a Spanish striker known for her clinical finishing, was the top scorer at the recent Euros with four goals and finished second in the NWSL Golden Boot race this season with 13 goals in 23 games. Although she has battled injury and a recent scoring drought—she hasn’t scored in her last five appearances—González has a reputation for delivering in big moments. Notably, she scored the winning goal in Gotham’s Concacaf W Champions Cup triumph and netted the decisive goal in their 2-1 championship victory over Seattle last year.
McKeown, a finalist for Washington’s Defender of the Year and a US Women’s National Team center-back, will need to be at her best to neutralize González’s threat. Moreover, McKeown must also contend with Gotham’s other in-form attackers, including Jaedyn Shaw and Rose Lavelle, both of whom have been instrumental in Gotham’s postseason success.
### Flank Warfare: Gift Monday and Rose Kouassi Challenge Lily Reale
The final also features intriguing battles on the wings, particularly between Washington’s dynamic duo—Gift Monday and Rose Kouassi—and Gotham’s promising young left