2026 NWSL Shield winners: Gotham FC wins Shield for the first time
It was just a few short years ago that NJ/NY Gotham FC finished in last place with only four wins in the regular season. Since then, the team has won two NWSL Championships. And for the first time in club history, the bats are officially the winners of the 2026 NWSL Shield.
This achievement came to fruition after Gotham FC beat Utah Royals FC 2-0 on Decision Day. Guro Reiten and Jaedyn Shaw both scored to earn the Bats all three points.
This is the first time the Bats have ended the season in first place, both in their overall club history and NWSL history. Such an idea seemed so far away back in 2022, the second-worst season in Gotham FC history. The Bats were not a competitive team that would constantly compete for trophies. So, for the fans who have been with the club since early on, this accomplishment means the world to them.
Gotham FC wins the NWSL Shield
The fact that the NJ/NY side competed for the top spot, stayed in first place for a long time, and stayed in the race for the NWSL Shield still does not feel real. Gotham worked hard all season long, and clearly, their 1-2-2 start to the season meant nothing in the long term.
Despite a draw with Angel City FC and a loss to the Washington Spirit to start the final run of games, and despite Bruninha and Jordynn Dudley being on the SEI list, the Bats never gave up. They earned a gritty win against the Orlando Pride. And now, they earned the win to earn the Shield.
While the goal was easier after San Diego Wave FC and Boston Legacy FC played to a draw, and while the history against Utah was positive entering Decision Day, playing the Royals is never a guaranteed positive result. They have done very well this season and were fighting for a home playoff game since they entered Sunday in sixth place.
The Bats had to play as well as they could and be smart, too, as Utah would have probably figured out a way to win. In addition, Rose Lavelle and Shaw were on the bench after suffering minor injuries. They did come on in the second half, but not having them as starters made a difference.
However, like last week, the ladies did the job that they needed to do. And then, a stronger second half sealed their fate. Moreover, San Diego Wave FC won their match, so the Bats had to end the night with a point or three.
This is absolutely incredible. Gotham FC should be proud of ending the regular season in first place for the first time. And now, the Shield belongs in New Jersey.
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