Photo Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images
NJ/NY Gotham FC won the National Women’s Soccer League Shield for the first time in its history by finishing atop the regular season standings.
They entered Decision Day with strong odds to hold a three-point lead over the second-place San Diego Wave. A win or a draw guaranteed Gotham the Shield, while they could still take it with a forfeit if San Diego didn’t win. Securing their home run, Gotham beat the Utah Royals 2-0.
Guro Reiten scored the go-ahead goal inside the first 10 minutes following Midge Purce’s effort to get down the flank and pass the ball, although he turned the ball over so he was not officially awarded the assist.
Jaedyn Shaw made it two in the 80th minute and this time Purce was credited with an assist.
Unfortunately for Gotham, they lost their key player to injury early in the first half. Around the 20th minute, midfielder Jaelin Howell, one of the most consistent players for Gotham this season, sat out with an injury that didn’t immediately appear to be the cause. She left the field under her own power and was replaced by Savannah McCaskill.
Gotham continues to add to its trophy case under head coach Juan Carlos Amoros, who won the NWSL Championship in 2023 and 2025 and now secures his first Shield.
