Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett‘s careers follow similar, and at times, overlapping paths. Both played a vital role in securing the 2025 NWSL championship with Gotham FC.
On Saturday night, they each made history in their own unique ways. The 31-year-old defender Sonnett became just the second player to start five NWSL finals. She has now won three — all with different clubs.
Lavelle, the 30-year-old midfielder, claimed her first ever NWSL Championship title and did so by scoring the latest regulation-time goal in NWSL final history.
Both players participated in the NWSL Championship the last time Gotham FC lifted the trophy in 2023. However, it was for the opposing team. They both plied their respective trades for the Seattle Reign that year. It marked the first time they united as NWSL teammates. Over the years, the two have established a well-known and light-hearted friendship complete with hijinks and pranks.
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