Gotham FC win NWSL Championship over OL Reign in final games for Rapinoe, victorious Krieger

The 2023 NWSL Championship game was a nail-biter, with Ali Krieger’s Gotham FC emerging as the victors, defeating Megan Rapinoe’s OL Reign 2-1 at Snapdragon Stadium. This win marked the “NJ/NY” club’s first NWSL crown, following their rebranding from Sky Blue FC in 2021.

In a star-studded game, USWNT forward Lynn Williams scored the opening goal for Gotham, only to be quickly equalized by Rose Lavelle of the Reign. However, the deciding goal came from World Cup champion Esther Gonzalez in first-half stoppage time, securing the win for Gotham.

The game also marked the end of two USWNT legends’ playing careers, with Krieger leaving as a champion and Rapinoe departing the game after mere minutes due to injury. Rapinoe’s early exit left a bitter taste as she had to leave the match after three minutes following a non-contact injury, and later returned on the sideline in a walking boot. On the other hand, Krieger, a USWNT centurion and two-time World Cup winner, celebrated her retirement as a champion.

Rapinoe, who won over 200 USWNT caps and two World Cups, is also known for her activism, fighting for equal pay for the USWNT and taking several high-profile stands as a social activist. Krieger, who is 39 years old, has been named to the NWSL Best XI four times and the Second XI twice.

To relive the intense moments of the NWSL Championship game, check out the video highlights below: [NWSL Championship video highlights](https://www.youtube.com/embed/REcL0pAKTq0?si=HFcTxfLdHGY9x3O9)

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Michael Johnson

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