Everything fans should know about Gotham FC in the 2024 NWSL Playoffs

The NWSL regular season is over, and NJ/NY Gotham FC is getting ready for the postseason. The Bats finished in third place after their win against Utah Royals FC. The team will now host the first home game in the NWSL Playoffs in club history.

Gotham FC will also try to defend their Championship from last season. The goal is to go back-to-back, but it will be difficult. It has been done before though. The defunct FC Kansas City and the North Carolina Courage won back-to-back Championships. However, this year everyone will want to beat the NJ/NY side.

Can Gotham FC have another successful playoff run? Their eight-game NWSL unbeaten streak makes it seem possible. So, what should fans know about the NWSL Playoffs for the Bats?

The NWSL playoffs information for Gotham FC

As mentioned, Gotham FC will host their first playoff game when the quarterfinals take place on November 10. The Bats officially know they will face Portland Thorns FC in the first round. They beat the 2022 champions in both NWSL matches. As such, a win is extremely possible.

If Gotham wins, then they will face either the Washington Spirit or Bay FC. A win by the D.C. team would mean a road match in the semifinals. However, an upset by Bay would see the Bats host another playoff match. Finally, a second win would see the team head to Kansas City for the Championship. Any teams on the other side of the bracket would be the opposition.

Meanwhile, how will the playoffs work in 2024? They will be similar to 2023, with teams following a single-elimination format. Of course, as seen above, there is no bye. This means everyone has an opportunity to play three games.

Teams will play the full 90 minutes, where the winning side will move on. If the match is tied, then 30 minutes of extra time will be played. Like always, the fixture would go into a penalty kick shootout if nobody is the winner after 120 minutes.

Regarding the team, Gotham FC will wonder which players will return from injury. Tierna Davidson has been out for the last few games while Crystal Dunn has been out for an excused absence. Cece Kizer and Jéssica Silva, who have been great summer signings who would likely come off the bench in the playoffs, have also missed the last couple of games. Thankfully, the Bats have a deep roster. Still, it would be great to have some of the players back who have been on the injury report.

No matter who plays, Gotham FC has a chance to do well in the postseason. More importantly, supporters can support the team in person in the quarterfinals. This has never happened before, so fans can make Red Bull Arena a fantastic environment this Sunday.