North Allegheny, Pitt alum Sarah Schupansky caps storybook rookie campaign with NWSL title

Former North Allegheny and Pitt standout Sarah Schupansky started and played the full 90 minutes, then lifted the NWSL trophy, capping a storybook rookie campaign, as 8-seeded Gotham FC completed a remarkable run through the playoffs, defeating Washington Spirit, 1-0, on Saturday night in San Jose, CA.

On Monday, Schupansky and her teammates will be honored with a ticker-tape parade in New York City!

The difference in the match came as Rose Lavelle’s magical left foot curled in a shot from the edge of the box in the 80th minute to deliver a 1-0 win over archrival Spirit for Gotham FC’s second NWSL Championship title in three years.

The win completed the sequel of Gotham’s 2023 NWSL Championship run – both teams were the lowest seed in the NWSL Playoffs before winning three straight games on the way to claiming the trophy in the world’s most competitive league.

This time, Gotham scored the latest game-winner in NWSL playoff history, the latest game-winner in regulation in NWSL playoff history and the latest game-winner in NWSL Championship history in its three wins.

Schupansky played the full 90 minutes on the attacking midfield line, with 40 touches, passing accuracy of 75 percent (18/24), had five clearances, seven recoveries and drew three fouls.

Gotham FC played a measured, confident game, preventing second-seeded Washington from registering a shot on target in a performance that perfectly reflected the team’s defensive strength this year. It was the fourth shutout of the Spirit this season – and the club’s second win over its longstanding rival.

In September, the club announced they signed Schupansky to a contract extension through 2027.

rookie midfielder has made an immediate impact in her first professional season and ranks near the top of several league statistical categories. She leads Gotham with five assists, tied for the most in the NWSL. Her five assists are already a Gotham rookie record. Schupansky has also recorded an assist in three consecutive matches this season, setting a new club mark.

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