For the first time in club history, NJ/NY Gotham are top of the NWSL pedestal.

The Eastern Conference Champions captured the NWSL title on Saturday after defeating OL Reign 2-1 in Saturday’s NWSL Final. Lynn Williams and Esther Gonzalez both scored for Juan Carlos Amoros squad as Gotham captured their third-straight playoff win away from home.

Saturday’s result also marked a sad ending for U.S. women’s national team star Megan Rapinoe, who was forced out of the match in the opening six minutes due to an injury. Fellow USWNT star Ali Kreiger is also set to retire after capturing the first NWSL title of her career.

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Williams broke the deadlock from Snapdragon Stadium as the veteran forward slotted home in the box. Midge Purce’s pass was slotted home by Williams down the middle of the net for a 1-0 Gotham advantage.

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However, the lead would only last five minutes as fellow USWNT star Rose Lavelle equalized for the Reign. Bethany Balcer sprung Lavelle upfield before the midfielder drilled a left-footed shot into the bottom-right corner for a 1-1 score.

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After being rejected by the post and crossbar later in the half, Gotham recaptured their lead before halftime. Esther González’s powerful header off a Purce corner kick made it 2-1 heading into the break.

https://x.com/GothamFC/status/1723524491891118164?s=20

Despite added pressure from both teams, Gotham were able to hang on for the victory. Amanda Haught was sent off in the final minutes of second-half stoppage time after VAR ruled in favor of a handball.

Lavelle’s last-gasp free kick though was blocked, sealing the win for NJ/NY Gotham.

https://x.com/NWSL/status/1723541526255477102?s=20

The result completed a heroic turnaround for NJ/NY Gotham in 2023 after finishing 2022 with a -30 goal differential.