Futbol W: Gotham FC Take It All

23:07It was amazing, the performance from Sarah Zupansky. So in the end, we did what we needed to do to win. I mean, clearly, because you wear the crown. They need to put it on your head with the season that you had. I know we had so many opportunities to talk throughout the season. So it's great to see you on this side. That roller coaster at the end of the day means a championship for you. Juan Carlos Amoros, muchas felicidades. Celebrate with your friends, family, teammates, everything. You deserve it.

23:37Cristina Alexander:Thanks, Coach. Great job. Thank you, guys. We love you, Ali. Bye. Bye, bye. Thank you, guys. What does that mean? What does that mean, Ali, to see him again with the championship? He deserves it. You know, the way that they had performed, the way that they were playing, the personnel that he chose, you know, because we all remember the North Carolina game, you know, the decision day game where we were all a little bit skeptical about, okay, you know, he's thrown a few new players out there, and it didn't seem like that was, you know, as consistent as before. And right before playoffs that, you know, we all were a little bit shocked about that because you want to go in with that, you know, mentality and that motivation and that confidence with, you know, your starting 11 playing together more consistently.

24:25Cristina Alexander:And we didn't see that. So then everyone had assumed, okay, well, you know, maybe this will be a little bit of a mare for them. And then they completely shifted gears. And they had, I guess, that one week before the quarterfinal. They sorted everything. They ironed out the details. And look how they came out and performed. It was very consistent throughout the playoffs. Maybe there's a couple games in there that they didn't quite play to the potential and standard that they always want to play to, like a Kansas City current game. But they got the job done. And if you have one or two chances and you put the ball in the back of the net more often than the opponent, then, you know, you're the successful team.

25:06Yeah, and what he just said about Emily Sonnet telling him, hey, hold off, hold off on the subs, and really just trusting his players through and through is what really makes this trust work at the end of the day, because it really was a true underdog story. Remembering Jayden Shaw's now very famous words after that Kansas City game. And he come the first eight seed to win the title. It's the third Gotham goal in the 80th minute or later of these playoffs. That's tied for the second most such goals in a single playoff. They're the first team to eliminate three higher seats on the way to the title.

25:38I mean, they eliminated the higher seed, by the way. But it's truly incredible what this team was able to accomplish. And I think one of the things that makes this team really special too, Ali, is that you take a look at the game changers, right, at the subs that he has. and so many of them are capable of being starters as they have throughout the season. And we saw two of them that we had seen regularly on the bench, at least in the last few games, Mandy Freeman and Sarah Schepanski today. What did you think of the decision to start them today?

26:10Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I think, you know, it's different for, you know, each of them. And I think you have to look at the opponent, right? And you have to look at the way that you, you know, the game plan is and what kind of players can cater to that game plan and the performance that you're going to expect. And so I think because he maybe wanted more of the chance creator in midfield and the connection with Rose and maybe a little bit more, you know, just the opportunities that could have been created within the midfield. I think switching it up a little bit was smart because of the previous games. I think the midfield was shut down a little bit and they had to, you know, change, change their plan drastically in the second half.

26:51Cristina Alexander:So I think throwing Sarah in there was a different look and a different identity for for Gotham. And I think she did get on the ball. She was very physical as well. So she was disrupting Washington Spirits play and their creative midfield as well. So I think it was to their benefit. And then with Mandy, it's her experience and it's her confidence outside back. And she's, you know, the longest to near player at Gotham. And she, you know, deserves to play in this final. She didn't play in the last final, and I'm so happy that she was able to captain the team and hoist the trophy and have a complete performance as well.

27:28Cristina Alexander:She was very strong. She was very physical. She did her job well, the 1v1 defending, and she stayed connected to the back line along with Midge, mostly on the right-hand side. And so that play was developing fairly well, so I don't think he wanted to disrupt that, and I think it was a good idea. But I think it was because of her experience and, you know, her performances this year have been really good. Yeah, this is a team that's had to fare without Tierna Davidson, who we saw there with Mandy Freeman as well, lifting that trophy with that torn ACL practically starting the season two. And we know the important piece and how great she is for this Gotham side.

28:05They had to fare without Rose Lavelle for a while. Esther Gonzalez there to kind of stretch through the end of the season. I mean, injuries, there were a lot. And unfortunately, that was kind of the story of Washington's spirit as well. Not only in the final stretch of the season, but especially tonight. To lose Hal Hirschfeld, Allie, in the 75th minute after how intensely she was playing and just what she is to this team, I mean, it was heartbreaking to see. She didn't want to come off that field.

28:36Cristina Alexander:No, and she's, you know, such an incredible player in midfield for them. She's an anchor type of player. She's a connector. And defensively, she can intercept passes. She's super physical as well. So she does her job, and she can work side to side fairly well. And she's, you know, really quick in the way that she shifts and keeping the ball on one side or the other. And I think that is, you know, for midfield with these players around her, that's very key. So she does the number six really well. But often she likes to get into the attack, too. and she can get into the attack and disrupt play often.

29:13Cristina Alexander:So it's really sad to see her go down and have to leave because in any final, if you're any player at this level, you just say, wrap it up, I'm going to stay out here. And, you know, unless my foot's broken, then, you know, you're going to have to drag me off this field. So it must have been bad because players like that want to be out there and want to see the game through and want to finish and help their team as much as they can. So it's unfortunate because they've had a lot of injuries this year. And then to end, you know, obviously with another loss in another final, back-to-back, and then get an injury on the way out.

29:47Cristina Alexander:Yeah, it's really upsetting, and I'm so sad for her. And I hope that she can just recover quickly. She has time now to prepare for, you know, the season coming up starting in February. So, you know, she has some time, but it's really sad. It's really hard to see one of their best players go out like that again. I mean, she tried. She asked for the medical staff to wrap her ankle. She tested it out a little bit. She even came onto the field for, I think, for a couple of minutes. And then the goal comes in. So it's just really tough to see someone like her go down like that. And obviously, one of the bigger injuries, of course, was Trinity Rodman.

30:24And we were obviously waiting to see her maybe in the starting lineup. We weren't sure. We know she was training fully. We also had the opportunity to talk to her a couple of days ago. So she comes in for Sofia Cantore there in the last few minutes, obviously, of the game. 57th, but not even the last few minutes, in the 57th minute, too. So, you know, we were kind of casually talking about it. We were like, well, maybe it'll be 20 minutes, but what if they go to extra time? And it was a little bit more than maybe what we expected. And I told you kind of quickly, if this was a regular season game, maybe we wouldn't have even seen 10 minutes from Trinity Rodman.

31:02But what did you make of Adriana Gonzalez's here decisions with Trinity Rodman and what could possibly have been her last game with Washington Spirit and in the league?

31:14Cristina Alexander:Yeah, the whole thing is you've got to keep the players safe, right? Especially a player of her caliber because you don't want to throw them into the fire, especially return to play process is very key. And just because you want her to play the full 90 minutes in a final doesn't mean that she can. one and two that it's the best decision for her health. And so they have to go through that process. And sometimes, of course, Adrian wants to play her 90 minutes, but because the medical staff is saying, no, she's only got 30 in her because the return to play process, this is the way that it has to be.

31:47Cristina Alexander:And you can't risk another injury. So therefore, sometimes it's out of the coach's hands. Oftentimes it's out of the coach's hands. And then obviously the player has to make that decision too. And so I think that they were smart about it. Unfortunately, that's just how the injury timing went for her this season. And yeah, it's unfortunate because this was, you know, most likely, we don't know yet, but her last game wearing the Washington Spirit jersey. And she's an incredible talent. She's, you know, one of their best players, even though despite the fact that that front six is amazing, no matter if she's on the field or not.

32:24Cristina Alexander:Exactly. And she can, you know, set up those those, you know, front other five or six players on a dime. But they did miss her because the way she came on and she's so explosive, she just immediately creates and draws attention, which then opens up other players around her. So, of course, they want her on the field all the time. But I think because of the return to play process, everyone has to just be really careful. And sometimes as a supporter and a fan or people on the outside looking in, we don't really know that process. And we don't know, you know, the timings and, you know, what's really going on behind the scenes.

33:00Cristina Alexander:So we just have to trust that they're making the best decision for her, most importantly, and then for the club and the team. Yeah, and we know this was a sprained MCL. Fortunately, it wasn't worse. And she told us that, too. She was like, I even thought it was worse than fortunately what it was at the end of the day. we were fearing a torn ACL, honestly. Unfortunately, with the pattern that we've seen, obviously with women's soccer, especially this year, something that you experienced a little, a little, this hits a little too close to home. And she had those couple of falls that were a little bit, a little bit awkward and just awkward enough to tell us that obviously she wasn't even close to a, maybe even a 90 % here.

33:36But obviously that's all assumption. We don't feel all the feels that Trinity has mentally, physically, because we know that she has missed enough time. and all we want is for a healthy Trinity, whether it's in the NWSL, whether it's abroad, we just want to see her succeed, especially when it comes to the U.S. Women's National Team, and I'm sure that's also true with Emma Hayes. So good, so good, so good. New summer arrivals are at Nordstrom Rack stores now. Get ready to save big with up to 60 % off brands like Rag & Bone, Levi's, Adidas, and Free People. Join the Nordic Club to unlock exclusive discounts, Shop new arrivals first and more.

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34:56Welcome in our Jeff Kazoo, live from PayPal Park. Jeff, take us through the emotions of the game. We were excited to see it from afar, wishing, hoping that we were there. But at the end, it was you, Jeff, to live through it all. Just how explosive were the Gotham fans after Rose's goal? Oh, yeah. I mean, incredible environment here. I think particularly given that these two teams from the East Coast, short notice fans out here. I mean, the spirit especially, a lot of yellow in this stadium. I think probably, honestly, having been to the final since this league started, the best final atmosphere I've ever seen, certainly at a neutral site as well.

35:38So, yeah, an incredible environment. Obviously, I think the spirit we're hoping to ride that high a little bit more. But, yeah, Gotham, I mean, you could hear it postgame. You could hear it when that goal went in. This was another big moment for a team now, two titles in three years, and they just find ways to win. A big moment from Rose Lavelle, obviously. And the celebrations here, they traveled well. They traveled well with their fans, their ownership, and they'll be celebrating here in San Jose. Gotham travels well, Allie. Yeah, we travel well.

36:06Cristina Alexander:We travel really well, especially in last place in the playoff. Yeah, it was an incredible match. And I'm sure, like, from, you know, the studio, it felt a little similar. I mean, the atmosphere looked incredible. The fans looked like they were having a great time, despite the fact that there weren't many opportunities that were created. But, Jeff, when you were sitting in the stadium and you were watching this live, what did you think of the performances and how physical the game was? Yeah, physical game. I mean, I don't think it was anything too surprising. Obviously, I think, you know, you could look at Lily Real being maybe a little bit lucky to not get a second yellow there.

36:42Obviously, Juan Carlos Amoros pulls her off right after that. Hal Hirschfeld with the crunching tackles, the big one on midge purse in the first half. And then, you know, I think really a game of moments, right? I mean, this was a midfield, a stagnant game in midfield, two teams canceling each other out. And then you have that moment where Hal Hirschfeld goes down injured. The Spirit played several minutes with her on the sideline trying to get wrapped up. And they played with 10 players as Gotham pushed forward. And obviously, Hal Hirschfeld had come back onto the field at that point. But there was some confusion.

37:13You could see it here from the stands at PayPal as to what was going to happen there. They were preparing a sub for Hirschfeld anyway, even as she hobbled back through. And you look at that goal that Gotham scores, Lavelle in that central area. And that is the area that Hal Hirschfeld commands. She did it throughout the match, right? And I don't think it's a coincidence that just seconds after really that incident happens and Hal Hirschfeld is sort of laboring through that Gotham gets that goal, that Lavelle finishes it. And it's the one moment of brilliance, just like in the semifinal. We saw it in the quarterfinal.

37:44This wasn't the most convincing run from Gotham that you'll ever see. It wasn't a dominant playoff run, but they did exactly what they needed to do in each of these games, including in this final. Yeah, I mean, we heard Commissioner Jessica Berman to say that's why it's the toughest, obviously, playoffs and to make it to this point to the championship alley to make it back to back, obviously, for Washington, but for Gotham to win it the way that they did. That's why it's historic. That's why you've never seen an eight seed win this. But truly regular season and WSL playoffs, it seems like two completely separate things, correct?

38:19Cristina Alexander:Yeah, and I think that's how we approached it back in 2023. We said, okay, no matter what, this is a whole new season. It's a whole new chance. And I think that is exactly how Gotham stepped up in this position and really took charge in this playoffs. And you could tell every single game just meant something to them. It meant more than, you know, the regular season. And they knew what they had to do in order to be successful and win. And they had to iron out the details, you know, limit the mistakes, the uncharacteristic mistakes that they would make, especially tidy up the defending which I think has helped them be so successful in the playoffs because the more you know you can stay connected and compact defensively the the better you can give your front you know your front players an opportunity to score and win you games so I think ultimately this is I think a new theme for Gotham where you have you know they can end up in last place and it doesn't even matter that's what the the so enjoyable about this league is any team can win once you make playoffs.

39:15Cristina Alexander:It doesn't matter what, you know, seed you're in when you start. And Jeff, for Washington, I mean, what's missing? We saw them as finalists last season, granted, against a very powerful Orlando Pride. But here it seemed like finally their opportunity, last dance here for Trinity Rodman, possibly obviously nothing confirmed. But what's missing for this spirit side? Well, a little bit of deja vu here, I felt. I mean, last year, Trinity Rodman dealing with the back injury. She didn't feel fully herself. She did just tell us that behind the scenes there in the mix zone that she didn't think that it was a physical issue for her.

39:50Obviously, she didn't play the full 90. It wasn't fully fit for this game to start, but she didn't feel like it was a physical issue. I think this was, as she said, a very different game. She's used to games that she can come in and control, and this wasn't one of those. I think many of us watching here, probably from home, expecting, okay, 30-plus minutes for Rodman to affect a scoreless game, potentially going out in style. We don't know what her future is, as you said, but what a moment it could be to punctuate her early career in this league. And it just wasn't the game for that. I think what's missing from the spirit here, I mean, look, they're a consistent team.

40:25They've battled through injuries, adversity. They've got absences through several maternity leaves. They've had coaching turnover. And they've still found a way, right, we talked about this, through this season to get to the number two seed, to have the players that step up in Kwasi and Wiesner in the semifinal. And I think we just didn't quite see enough of that collectively today from Kwasi, who took over from GIF Monday. And I think where you might expect otherwise that Rodman would come on the field, change this game, I think maybe fully healthy, maybe in a different game that isn't such a chess match, and she has the open play to get the 1v1s that she might want to get on the back post.

41:05And we just didn't see it there. So I don't think it's not a referendum on the spirit here, nor was last year, right? I mean, this is a team that's gotten the back-to-back finals. They've been in the mix in CONCACAF. This is a team that has the pieces. They will have to figure out a world without Rodman potentially, and that could be a big one if it plays out that way. But I don't think there's huge holes here. You bring in Cantore, you've got Rodman. This is a team that will be back. Yeah, I mean, without Trinity Rodman, possibly, what would that look like for for Washington Spirit Allie after what Jeff just said yeah and

41:40Cristina Alexander:I agree it's really gonna it's gonna change you know the landscape of you know D.C. just in general rowdy outie and the fans and the supporters and how they show up I think I don't think that would change drastically but they're gonna really miss her because she's a fan favorite and she's an impact player she's you know the face of the team she's the face of women's soccer and in our country. And but when you look at the front six of Washington Spirit, you have a gift Monday, you have a Kwasi, you have a Contor, you have Santos, you have a Hirschfeld, you have a Kroy Bethune. These are play. And then don't forget, you know, we have Ashley Hatch, who's out, you know, maternity leave.

42:20Cristina Alexander:You have you have a lot of good players and even Sar who, you know, unfortunately had that injury and wasn't able to get back. But you have incredible talent in the front line and the attack and then defensively they're strong as ever I mean they were at the top of the table all year long despite the fact that they fought through those injuries so even without her because she didn't play in the in the previous playoff games right it's just the last the last playoff game she got a few minutes here and there but but they they did really well without her and filling her shoes and I think that they started to build relationships So I could potentially see that they're going to be okay.

43:00Cristina Alexander:They're going to look to fill that role. But if you can't, you still have so much star power in this attacking front six that I wouldn't even worry. Yeah, I mean, the fans obviously didn't stop going just because Trinity was injured. I highly doubt with how dedicated these fans are to Washington Spirit that they will abandon the team now when probably when they really most need them. And Jeff, you were talking about obviously all this talent on the Washington side. We know that you asked Jessica Berman several times about the salary cap situation, about obviously losing another star because it would be the second one that we see even in the last few months with Alyssa Thompson leaving to the WSL, now Trinity Rodman potentially leaving beyond Washington spirit.

43:45What could this mean for the league? Yeah, I mean, we should say it is still the if, right? I mean, we did ask Rodman postgame, and she stopped a couple of times through that mix zone. And, you know, she was asked, does this result impact your decision? Because she told us a few days ago she hasn't made that decision yet. And she said very simply, short, no, every team loses. And that was it, at least in that stop in the mix zone. So, you know, I think we're still waiting to see, of course. You know, as far as the salary cap goes, I mean, we'll keep talking about it, right? I mean, I think that as far as Rodman goes, there was so much time.

44:21I mean, this was forecasted, right? You knew when the contract was ending. I think that's going to be if she does depart and still an if that I think that maybe the league kicks itself on a bit, that it had time to potentially affect change for her specifically and such an important player. But, yeah, I think, you know, as we've talked about in the days leading up to this and the weeks leading up to this, it is a topic that's not going away for the league. They do seem to be pretty steadfast in certainly sticking with a salary cap, whether that gets raised or not, which they as a board of governors have the power to do via the CBA.

44:54We'll see if they do that. But yeah, the salary cap itself is not going away. And I think the league has made its choice there. And then we will have to see what the ramifications of that are, quite frankly. Yeah. And speaking of those ramifications, obviously, it's not only for NWSL Washington spirit, but obviously any decision that she makes, Ali, and I'm sure this was something that you went through too, making those decisions at the time to go to Germany and thinking what does this mean at the national team level? What would this mean for Trinity Rodman? Obviously, we don't even know if she does make a move where she would land, possibly WSL, possibly some Champions League action there too.

45:34But would that move hurt or help her?

45:37Cristina Alexander:I think it is going to help her, right? She knows herself best. She knows what she needs as a player, especially at this level. I did the same thing I knew in order to make the national team I needed to go and put myself in an environment where I wasn't the best player and I could become better and I could gain some more tools to make sure that I make the national team and that I prep myself for that and that I challenge myself. I think the Champions League did that. The Bundesliga did that. And now, you know, putting myself in her shoes, I learned so much about myself off the field, too. Like, I gained such a different perspective of life and really became the person and woman I wanted to become because of that move.

46:18Cristina Alexander:So it's more than just football, right? You want to challenge yourself in all aspects of your life. And sometimes you just need a change-up. Sometimes you just need a different scenery. Sometimes you want to just put yourself in positions where you make yourself uncomfortable so that you can gain, you know, the tools and the knowledge to become better. And that's something that I respect about a lot of the players that go over into new environments and new cultures and new countries. And, you know, there's new food and architecture and, you know, fashion and all the things that are exciting. But also there's the Champions League.

46:53Cristina Alexander:And there's also money. There's money for you to be had. and to take. And to be honest, if I were, you know, in her shoes and I were back playing and I'm 25, 26 years old and, you know, there's an offer on the table for a million plus, I'd say, see ya, NWSL. This is where I'm going. If you can't pay me and make me happy, then I'm going to go challenge myself. I'm going to win more trophies that I can win and really gain that experience off the field as well, which is an extra bonus. And a lot of people don't think about that. And I think just globally, she's such a star that, you know, it's only going to benefit the national team.

47:34Cristina Alexander:It's only going to benefit the USA. And, you know, it's going to create NWSL, you know, to put them in a position to have to make a change, to have to figure out what we're doing wrong that's not keeping the best players here. And we have to sit down and talk about it. Jeff, thoughts? Yeah, I mean, I agree with what Ali said. I mean, look, if you can do a similar thing for more money, who would not do that, right? And I think we can say it's the biggest clubs in the world. It's the most successful clubs in the world that are interested. And those are very comparable situations, right? So I think to that point, yeah, I mean, nobody could fault Rodman if she does that.

48:16And I think if you're the league, again, I mean, you lose players. I mean, you look at Alyssa Thompson, you look at Naomi Germa, among other players, and there is the opportunity that Ali talked about. I think if you're talking about purely the financial, that is the thing that the league can actually control. And I think if that is the reason and the primary reason for a decision to leave the NWSL, it's a big issue. It's a bigger issue for the NWSL than they've allowed us to think that they believe it is. Because I don't think that there's at least publicly an acceptance that that is truly a problem, not just for Rodman, but beyond Rodman.

48:54If it is truly just the financials, that is the thing that the board of governors can control, can change. And I think it'd be a huge problem for them if that's the reason she goes. Yeah, I mean, at the end of the day, and Ali, you said it best, right? This is her career. She's a professional. This is her career. Obviously, a lot of people just kind of want that loyalty, and that's a very kind of fan perspective. but putting ourselves in her shoes, which you can do more for us than Jeff and I can. I mean, it would totally make sense, especially if it's going to help her at the national team level, which I don't know how much help she needs, truly, if she hasn't been there lately.

49:35It's because of her injuries, but hopefully whatever it is, it's the best decision for Trinity Rodman. We understand, too, that it's a very personal decision at the end of the day, what it would mean for her to leave Washington Spirit, to leave the NWSL. I mean, it would be a heartbreaking way to kind of end it, but she should also be very proud of what she has been able to do for this Washington Spirit side and for the business side, of course, for the NWSL. All right. We do want to remind you what's coming up here on Monday, 8.30 p.m. Eastern Football Americas on ESPN Plus. Hercules Gomez and with Shaka Hislop and myself.

50:12We will see you then.

50:16Cristina Alexander:This episode is brought to you by State Farm. You know those friends who support your preference for podcasts over music on road trips? That's the energy State Farm brings to insurance. With over 19 ,000 local agents, they help you find the coverage that fits your needs. So you can spend less time worrying about insurance and more time enjoying the ride. Download the State Farm app or go online at statefarm.com. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Hi, Diva. It's Rachel. And Jordan. Yeah, hi. Quick question. Why are you not spending your Venmo balance? Yeah, we're concerned. You can like buy stuff with it.

50:50Ugh, you love buying stuff. And earn cash back on eligible purchases. Mmm, you love purchasing eligible things. So the money your friend sent you yesterday, that's today's ramen or rideshare or eye patches. The skincare kind, not the pyro kind. Spend with Venmo and you can earn cash back with Venmo Stash. Venmo Stash bundle terms and exclusions apply. Max$100 cash back per month. See terms at Venmo.me slash slash terms. ID verification required to use a Venmo balance. She has tears in her eyes. She's just so excited with everything that's happened tonight. I'll start with Jeff. You want to catch your breath a little bit there, Allie.

51:22But, I mean, Jeff, with what we've seen from Gotham, like we said, two titles, three years, same coach. Could we start to kind of brew a dynasty here label for Gotham? What do you think? I knew you were coming out with that word, Christina. I mean, look, I think that we could start to brew it. I like how you phrase that because this is still a very young league, right? So if we look at, I would say, quote, unquote, dynasties, I mean, I think we could probably argue there's only really been one that stretch for the North Carolina Courage back-to-back championships. You know, the Shields three in a row.

52:00I mean, I think that's the one that jumps out. But, yeah, I think when you look at two titles in three years, you look at adding the CONCACAF title, I think that we haven't probably spoken about that enough. as a collective public that, you know, as much as this team was an eight-seed and an underdog, it's also a few months removed from winning the entire, you know, continental title that has gotten it into the first FIFA competition. So maybe come January you add that, a world title, at least from a mini-world tournament. I think you can begin to talk about that. Yes, I think the performances themselves, as we've talked about, maybe are not the most convincing to the dominant degree that we saw from Kansas City throughout the regular season.

52:40But it's Gotham that's still standing here, and they went through that Kansas City team. So obviously they have mastered the art of knockout soccer, and this is a team that finds ways to get it done even when it's not the best. Yeah, I mean, whether it's to the liver, whether it's an uppercut, I mean, knockout soccer I think is the best way to describe this Gotham side. But, I mean, I know we're kind of getting maybe a little bit ahead of ourselves, Allie. But this is, again, second title in three years. Can they get a back-to-back?

53:13Cristina Alexander:Yeah, they can if they have more of a consistency. Not that they need it, right? They proved us all wrong. They can come in last place and then be able to, you know, hoist the trophy at the end of the year. But I think if they have more consistency towards the end of the season with their lineup and the personnel choices, I think that they will be a powerhouse team and they're going to continue this legacy. I think there's now a dynasty starting at Gotham. And because of the leadership, because of the attention to detail, because of the players' willingness to want to step out and perform the way that they do, if that is more consistent, I see this team becoming one of the best clubs in the world.

53:56Cristina Alexander:and they did have a lot of games this year and they had to you know have different personnel in different games because they had to rest players at certain times you can't play two to three games a week consistently at 90 minutes I certainly couldn't have done that at the stage of my career when I was still playing and so that also has you know I guess you know a part in in the way that they performed, you know, week in and week out. So if he can test out players more so at the beginning of the year and then start to iron out those, you know, those choices more consistently, then I think they're going to be unstoppable with the performance that they had in the playoffs.

54:42Cristina Alexander:And tonight, this is proof that they are going to be one of the best clubs in the world. Yeah. And I mean, it's obvious that a lot of players right now may be looking to make a change will have Gotham as one of the more attractive destinations here, at least when we're talking about exclusively NWSL. And speaking of what we've seen from this whole season, I mean, what a story, right? I know that the media, that's what we really, really love. Jeff, you're a great journalist in the storytelling part here. I mean, it's a movie script, what we saw in these playoffs between extra time, PKs, the late goals that we saw.

55:18I mean, we really, really enjoyed, obviously, the playoffs. with the season as a whole. Jeff, what's your biggest takeaway? Well, look, I think we saw a little bit of a dichotomy, right? You look at these playoffs and you have, as we've been talking about, the number eight seed, lowest seed, Gotham, making a run, defeating Kansas City in that quarterfinal and then winning a title. Juxtapose that with you have a season that Kansas City ran away with, right? 21 points clear of second place. Washington, clearly the best team. Washington really comfortably in that second spot. So I think in the regular season, it felt like we saw a lot of what we thought we were inching toward last year when it was sort of this group of four and then everybody else.

56:04I think we felt like there was an extension of that Kansas City on its own island, obviously, and then Washington and a lot of sort of contenders. At times we argued mediocrity, whatever that might be in that middle of the table. So I think that's going to be an interesting trend to really keep an eye on as we go through further expansion next year. What do these regular seasons look like? Are these teams that are investing more, that are pulling away? Do they continue to pull away? Is it a Kansas City, a Gotham, a Washington? Do they stay that and create a more permanent gap? But as we've seen in these playoffs, it doesn't necessarily matter.

56:42And I think to be clear, too, as Jaden Shaw very famously now said in the quarterfinals or after it. This was not an underdog team. It's an eight seed by name, but not by trade. So I think you very much put Gotham in that group of clubs you would expect to pull away. So I think we have to be mindful of that. But the playoffs have reminded us that, yes, anything can still happen in this league. Allie, what will you remember the most about the season?

57:07Cristina Alexander:I think just the drastic shift. And also, I think once Jaden had joined the team, There was a slight shift in the attack as well and the way that they could create changes. And also that was really good timing because that's when Esther, you know, was unfortunately injured and had to step out. And so she kind of filled that role and filled that hole. And it was perfect timing. And I think they just started to find their footing and the way that they wanted to perform in that way. And so that was really exciting. I'm really happy to see how they ended up. I'm really happy to see how well they gelled together.

57:43Cristina Alexander:I'm really happy to see the mentality and the identity that was very clear in this playoffs. And so it was whatever that shift happened to then have a team like they were in the playoffs that could represent one of the best cities, if not the best city in the world, in New York. And then now one of the best clubs to be at. And I'm just really happy for them. I think it was the highs and the lows. despite that, they really showed up and they played their best football these last three games. And I hope that they can continue to carry that. So that was probably my favorite part is just to see that mentality shift happen once, you know, Jaden came.

58:26Yeah. I mean, from this season, listen, we witnessed a lot of history, whether it was record transfers, whether it was Kansas City winning the Shield faster than we've ever seen any team do it before, or whether it was Atemwa Chawinga, who we had the amazing opportunity. We were surprised that she joined us at Median Day, and it was the greatest surprise to be able to sit next to such a powerful and special player in what she means not only for Kansas City, but the representation that it is to have somebody like her in the NWSL and to really just enjoy in what we saw history being made. Obviously, again tonight, we also saw record attendance not so far away from where Jeff is right now in California as well.

59:12So it's just all great to see. And honestly, personally, being able to cover this league is just so special. Having my first full season here with Football W, with our producer Beto, who just week after week produces this show with unmatched passion. I don't think anybody else and I'd be willing to bet any money on it. No one else. No one could produce this show like he does. And I know that he loves it, but he loves us, obviously.

59:41Cristina Alexander:He makes us look amazing. He sets us up for success. Honestly, it's a great group of humans. I mean, Jeff and Ali, of course, this was such a special week in San Jose. And we were able to have such a great dinner, too. And I told you, obviously, covering women's sports is unmatched. Covering this league is just such a big passion. So I'm so happy to be able to sit at this table week in and week out with such special humans, with such a legend, two-time World Cup champion, Allie Kringer. You're a legend. So thank you, everyone, so much. It's been such a lovely season. And I can't wait for next year and for everything that it brings, the roller coaster, the good, the bad.

1:00:26but the good outweighs so, so much. We will be back still here in a couple of weeks. We still have, obviously, Champions League action that we are so very much looking forward to. But for now, I'm sure our producer, the ones to be doing the same as Rose Lowe right now. The first shot of many. Oh, my gosh. I love that fireball. Oh, have fun tomorrow, Rose. It's our recovery. Gotham FC, the 2025 NWSL champions. What a season it was. Thank you for riding alongside us a historic season. We will see you very soon.

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