It looks like the title isn’t coming to Washington DC this year.
The Washington Spirit were defeated by Gotham FC in the final of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) this year after Rose Lavelle scored in the 80th minute at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.
This entire time I had imagined that the Washington Spirit were the great storybook team in the playoffs, who finished second in the league this year (trailing the KC Current by a whole 21 points).
But it was Gotham FC that were the exciting story - they entered the playoffs as the eighth seed, taking down the Current in the quarterfinals of the playoffs after extra time.
The title is Gotham FC’s second title in three years.
Manager Juan Carlos Amorós said it was a “dream come true”, according to ESPN.
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In very unrelated news: Tottenham Hotspur Women advanced to the knockout stage of the Women’s League Cup after defeating Bristol City on Sunday (and that’s the only game that mattered that day, right?).
Martha Thomas scored for Tottenham in the 46th minute to secure their spot in the next round. Interestingly enough: Cup games in the group stage don’t end in ties but in penalties. I just learned that today.
The quarterfinals of the knockout stage begin next month, with the draw due to take place today.
Fitzie’s track of the day: Fast As You Can, by Fiona Apple
And now for your links:
Alasdair Gold: “Why Arsenal’s sneaky substitutes enraged Tottenham’s set piece coach in derby defeat”
The Standard: “Thomas Frank playing a risky game as pressure builds at Tottenham”
The Athletic ($$): “This Spurs throw-in against Arsenal says everything about where they are going wrong”