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The NWSL Playoffs will begin soon, and NJ/NY Gotham FC is ready to defend their championship from last year. This time around, they are not the underdog. Instead, the third-place team is one of the sides to beat.
Before the postseason, there is some news to cover for the Bats. Therefore, here is the latest Gotham FC news roundup.
Gotham FC news roundup: Mandy Freeman's goal and more
Mandy Freeman wins Goal of the Week
In the final match of the regular season, Mandy Freeman scored her first goal in the NWSL. The long-time Gotham FC player scored the goal on a curler into the top-right corner of the goal, helping her team earn the win on the road.
Subsequently, she was nominated for the NWSL Goal of the Week. She was competing with Ashley Hatch, fellow teammate Esther González, and Christine Sinclair.
By a slight margin, the Gotham player won the Goal of the Week. It is a great moment for Freeman and can boost her confidence heading into this weekend's match.
The first home game in the playoffs
In case you missed it, Gotham FC will host their first home game in the club's playoff history. The team will welcome Portland Thorns FC to Red Bull Arena on Sunday. As such, many are hopeful multiple supporters will attend. To celebrate, the usual Fan Fest will take place before the fixture kicks off. The event will occur from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM.
Supporters can get their faces painted, play corn hole, enjoy live entertainment, and so much more. There will also be playoff-specific clothes that can be purchased at the stadium.
This can turn out to be a great day for the fans and the players. Of course, the focus will be on the match itself. The single-elimination format means Gotham must win against Portland.
Where is Crystal Dunn?
This is not news, but rather it is a question for Gotham FC: where is Crystal Dunn? The USWNT star last played for the team on September 22. Since then, she has been out on an excused absence. Hopefully, everything is okay. Although, she has been active on Instagram.
The Bats miss her on the pitch, and it would make the team stronger if she is available in the playoffs. Still, Gotham FC is a tough team to beat thanks to the depth of the roster. Perhaps Dunn has something personal she is addressing, and that is why she has not played.