"Unless we find ourselves in a penalty shootout and either keeper takes one, these two won't stymie strikes from one another. But their impact at either end could be the most decisive battle of all. Both had player of the match-worthy performances in the first round. Gotham upset the record-setting, first-place Shield winners, Kansas City, thanks to a massive seven-save performance from NWSL's 2024 Goalkeeper of the Year, Berger."
"In Washington, Aubrey Kingsbury saw the Spirit to a narrow victory against the post-season debutantes Racing Louisville with seven saves of her own across 120 minutes, then two more to secure the win in a penalty shootout. In the semi-finals, the pair faced fewer shots on target, but were called on to make highlight reel-worthy saves to send their teams to the final. An elite performance from either keeper could decide the Championship."
Gotham FC, eighth place, faces second-placed Washington Spirit in the NWSL Championship in San Jose. Both clubs have one previous NWSL title: Washington in 2021 and Gotham in 2023. Washington are the likely favourites, but Gotham's quality and defensive record make them dangerous. Goalkeepers Ann-Katrin Berger and Aubrey Kingsbury produced match-winning, multi-save performances in earlier rounds and could decide the outcome. Gotham conceded the second-fewest goals and recorded the second-most clean sheets, anchored by centre-back Emily Sonnett. Sonnett must organize the defence to contain Washington's attacking depth amid injury-limited options such as Croix Bethune.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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