When Washington Spirit and Gotham FC clash in Saturday's NWSL Championship final in San Jose, California, they will write the 44th chapter of the league's most-played rivalry, with one team hunting redemption and the other chasing the impossible.

The Spirit are seeking to erase last year's championship heartbreak when they lost 1-0 against Orlando Pride, while Gotham are attempting to become the first eighth seed ever to claim the ultimate prize.

Saturday's showdown promises to be even more dramatic after their last playoff meeting ended in a penalty shootout, with the Spirit prevailing 3–0 after a 1–1 draw in the semi-finals last year, setting up what is sure to be another nail-biting clash between these familiar rivals.

YELLOW BRICK WALL ANCHORS SPIRIT'S TITLE BID

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