Only two teams remain in the NWSL Playoffs with the semifinals concluding this weekend.
The Washington Spirit and NJ/NY Gotham FC prepare to play the big final with wins over Portland Thorns and Orlando
Pride, respectively.
There were moments of brilliance over the weekend, and here’s our top five:
Jaedyn Shaw’s free kick
Gotham and Orlando remained scoreless for 90 minutes and then a foul near the box granted the Bats a free kick in stoppage time. Rose Lavelle and Jaedyn Shaw stepped near the ball but it was the 20-year-old who took it.
The ball ricocheted just after passing the wall and in front of Anna Moorhouse, which gave her no chance to get a hold of it.
With little to no time left, Orlando tried to find the equalizer but ran out of time. Although they did create one great look that goalkeeper Ann Katrin-Berger kept out with a one hand save.
Rosemonde Kouassi’s incredible run
It was the 27th minute and Portland had a corner kick. Once the ball was sent to the box, it was easily cleared by Washington’s defense. Things didn’t finish there because Rosamonde Kouassi made a run that left defender Kaitlyn Torpey in the dust.
Gift Monday arrived at the box on time to play a 2 v 1 with goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and buried the ball in the bck of the net.
Trinity Rodman’s comeback
One of the league’s favorites, Trinity Rodamn, had to deal with injuries this entire season. Most recently, she injured her right knee and has been out since mid-October.
Fans were asking for her and after the result was secured, coach Adrián González gave the people what they wanted. In the 89th minute, Rodman subbed in for Paige Metayer, to a standing ovation filled with cheers and appreciation.
Word says she’s been lured to play overseas. So, will the final be her last time donning the Spirit jersey?
Ann Katrin Berger comes in clutch
We’ve already highlighted Shaw’s free kick goal that contributed to getting the ticket for the final but the match would’ve gone to extra time if not for Gotham’s goalkeeper Ann Katrin-Berger. We have gotten used to her heroics by now but that doesn’t mean she’s stopped being pivotal in key moments.
And she’s done it again. In the 90+9’, she made a crucial one-handed save that protected the lead for Gotham and demonstrated once again why she’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Sam Coffey: “The power of friendship”
Portland surprised everybody this season, getting as far as the playoffs’ semifinals. However, its Cinderella story ended after being overpowered by Washington. How did they get this far after having so many challenges during the year?
The Thorns captain, Sam Coffey, shared the secret when, after the loss against the Spirit, she mentioned “the power of friendship.” Odd as it may sound, it is known that a united locker room is one of the main ingredients of any successful team.
