The underdog label may be a bit of a misnomer for Gotham FC, the 2023 NWSL champions who have reached the semifinals for three years running, but that is not to say 2025 did not come with its own trials and tribulations. Inconsistency saw them slide all the way down to an eighth-place finish in the regular season, much of it down to some major changes in attacking personnel that will likely serve as the team's biggest point of intrigue in the offseason. As they prepare for Saturday's NWSL Championship against the Washington Spirit (8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+ ), though, they have found not only a temporary fix but perhaps the foundation for a long-term refresh – Jaedyn Shaw.

The U.S. women's national team talent has only nine games under her belt since joining Gotham from the Nor

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