Dramatic Last-Gasp Winner Seals Championship Berth
In a breathtaking finish that will be remembered for years, Jaedyn Shaw scored with virtually the final kick of the game to send Gotham FC to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Championship. The 20-year-old's spectacular 97th-minute free-kick secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Orlando Pride in a nail-biting semi-final clash on Sunday.
A Moment of Magic
The match-winning moment arrived deep into added time when Shaw stepped up to take a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area. The young talent expertly curled the ball into the box, where it took a crucial bounce just in front of Orlando's goalkeeper, Anna Moorhouse, before nestling perfectly into the corner of the net. This decisive strike proved to be Gotham's only shot on target throughout the entire contest, highlighting its immense importance.
Speaking after the match, an elated Shaw revealed her dedication behind the glorious moment. "I just knew that I had prepared myself for that moment, I have been working tirelessly on my free kicks," she said. "I live for these moments."
A Tense Defensive Battle
The game, played in front of 15,714 fans in Orlando, was largely a cagey affair dominated by defensive resilience. The Pride, who are the reigning NWSL champions, started as the brighter side and created the better chances during the first half. Forward Lizbeth Ovalle was particularly active, seeing a close-range effort saved by Gotham's Ann-Katrin Berger in the fifth minute and later sending another opportunity wide from just two yards out.
The match seemed destined for extra time until Shaw's late intervention. The drama wasn't over, however, as Orlando mounted one final attack in the 100th minute. A header from defender Oihane Hernández looked destined for the top corner, but Berger produced a magnificent backwards dive to tip the ball over the bar and secure Gotham's place in the final.
Road to the Championship
With this victory, Gotham FC advances to face the Washington Spirit in the NWSL Championship final this Saturday in San Jose, California. The Spirit earned their place by defeating the Portland Thorns 2-0 in the other semi-final. This will be Gotham's second appearance in the NWSL final, having previously lifted the trophy in 2023. For the Orlando Pride, the defeat ends their bid to become the first team since 2019 to successfully defend the NWSL title.
