By OkayGoal 
Photo Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images
For the first time in their history, NJ/NY Gotham FC have won the National Women’s Soccer League Shield for finishing at the top of the regular season standings.
They went into Decision Day with strong odds to start, three points ahead of second-place San Diego Wave. A win or draw guaranteed Gotham the Shield, while they could still take it with a loss if San Diego didn’t win. Securing their own fate at home, Gotham defeated the Utah Royals 2-0.
Guro Reiten scored the go-ahead goal within the first 10 minutes after the hard work of Midge Purce to get down the side and send the ball across, though it was deflected, so she didn’t get the assist officially.
Jaedyn Shaw doubled the lead in the 80th minute, and this time Purce did get credited for the assist.
Unfortunately for Gotham, they lost a key player to injury early in the first half. Around the 20th minute, midfielder Jaelin Howell, who has been one of the most consistent players for Gotham this season, sat down with an injury that did not immediately appear to have a direct cause. She limped off the field under her own power and was replaced by Savannah McCaskill.
Gotham continues to add to their trophy case under head coach Juan Carlos Amoros, having won the NWSL Championship in 2023 and 2025, and now securing their first Shield.
