NJ/NY Gotham FC Wins 2023 NWSL Championship, Presented by Bud Light
November 12, 2023 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
SAN DIEGO - In front of a record-setting title match crowd of 25,011, NJ/NY Gotham FC secured its first-ever Championship title in a thrilling 2-1 victory at the 2023 NWSL Championship, presented by Bud Light, Saturday, November 11 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. Gotham FC forward Midge Purce was named Championship MVP.
An exciting first half saw goals from Gotham FC forward Lynn Williams and Esther, the fourth and first playoff goals of their careers, respectively, and OL Reign forward Rose Lavelle, her first career playoff goal. Reign forward Bethany Balcer recorded her first career playoff assist, while match MVP Midge Purce assisted on both first-half goals, the first two assists of her playoff career. A late red card foul against goalkeeper Mandy Haught gave OL Reign a free kick in stoppage time, but Gotham FC's defense prevailed to secure the win.
With the victory, Lynn Williams is the first player to play in and win four NWSL Champions.
Gotham FC finished 8-7-7 in the regular season, earning the sixth seed in the 2023 NWSL Playoffs, presented by Bud Light. Coach of the Year Juan Carlos Amorós's club went on to defeat the third-seeded North Carolina Courage in the quarterfinals 2-0 before battling No. 2 Portland Thorns FC to a 1-0 victory in the semis. Amorós is the fifth head coach to win a Championship in their first season with their club, leading his club from last place in 2022 to a Championship victory a year later.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from November 12, 2023
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