Gotham FC news roundup: Decision Day, Mak Whitham, and more

After securing a spot in the NWSL Playoffs, NJ/NY Gotham FC and the rest of the league are in the middle of the international break. As such, the Bats will not play again until next weekend. They will have to wait to try to win the last match of the regular season. With multiple scenarios lined up for Decision Day, anything can happen. Of course, the first step is to earn all three points.

Currently, there is plenty to cover, despite the team having the week off. So, without further ado, here is another Gotham FC news roundup.

Decision Day is set for Gotham FC

The NWSL is in the middle of another tightly fought regular season. There are multiple scenarios of where a team can finish, and that includes Gotham FC. The Bats can finish anywhere from fourth to eighth place, and as such, the team's game will be one of many to kick off at 5 PM on Sunday, November 2.

12 of the 14 teams will play at the same time, and the NJ/NY side's game against the North Carolina Courage can be viewed on ESPN. All other fixtures at 5 PM will be on NWSL+.

The one thing Gotham FC will know by the time they take the pitch is whether they can secure a home playoff game for the quarterfinals. San Diego Wave FC and the Kansas City Current will play each other at 3 PM. If San Diego wins, then that means the Bats can finish no higher than fifth place.

Mak Whitham and the USWNT U-17

Mak Whitham is currently with the USWNT U-17 team at the U-17 Women's World Cup. The team has already qualified for the Round of 16 after beating Ecuador 3-0 and China 5-2, and will play Norway on Friday.

Whitham did not play against Ecuador, but came on as a substitute in the 71st minute against China. Her playing time is expected to be limited since she is 15 and the youngest on the squad. But this is a good experience for the young Gotham player. Ideally, the U-17 team will go far in the World Cup.

Gotham FC's international call-ups

Meanwhile, eight other Gotham FC players are with their national teams during the October international window. Rose Lavelle, Lilly Reale, Emily Sonnett, and Jaedyn Shaw are with the USWNT, and Sarah Schupansky was called up to the U-23 training camp. Notably, those with the U-23 team will have some training sessions with the first team.

Then, Bruninha will be with Brazil, Jess Carter will be with England, and Josefine Hasbo will suit up for Denmark. Esther González was called up to represent Spain, but her hip injury means she cannot play for her national team and will remain in New Jersey.

Gotham FC will have plenty of players to cheer for during the international break. However, with the recent injuries, the team needs everyone to return at 100%.