Gotham FC celebrated its second NWSL title in three years with a parade and ceremony in New York City on Monday, Nov. 24.
‘The Bats have brought the championship to New York City once again,’ said New York City mayor Eric Adams, who presented the team with keys to the city. ‘[This team] has shown time and time again that you never can be counted out. You have the New York City grit, resiliency and determination.’
Adams repeated Gotham forward Jaedyn Shaw’s declaration after the No. 8-seed Gotham FC upset No. 1 Kansas City Current in the quarterfinals. ‘Underdogs my ass,’ he said.
Midfielder Rose Lavelle scored in the 80th minute to beat the Washington Spirit, 1-0, Saturday, Nov. 22, in front of a sellout crowd of 18,000 at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Lavelle’s score was the latest opening goal in league championship history.
The Bats beat Kansas City in the quarterfinals, No. 4 Orlando, the defending camp, in the semifinals and No. 2 Washington in the championship.
The parade started at Barclay Street in Lower Manhattan and headed up Broadway to Chambers Street. The key to the city ceremony was held outside City Hall.
Gotham FC represents New York and New Jersey, playing at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
‘We wanted to build something special, we knew we had a group of fantastic players,’ Gotham FC coach Juan Carlos Amorós said. ‘These players have not only done it for themselves, but gone above and beyond for the person next to them.’