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After a disappointing Decision Day that saw NJ/NY Gotham FC lose to the North Carolina Courage and lead the Bats to an eighth-place finish in the NWSL standings, the team will now embark on their third straight NWSL Playoffs in a row. Unfortunately, they will be on the road to play against the Kansas City Current, who won the NWSL Shield.
Gotham FC’s quarterfinal opponent is clearly the one team they did not want to face. The Bats lost both regular-season matches against the Current, including the recent 2-0 loss in Kansas City. The dominance this season by their opponents, who lost just a mere three times, makes them the top choice to win the NWSL Championship.
Of course, that does not mean that Gotham cannot pull off the upset. After all, they had three straight upsets on the route to the 2023 Championship. However, there was no dominant team at the top of the table like there is this year. Hence, it makes it difficult to see a path where the NJ/NY side can move on in the playoffs. Again, it is not impossible, and arguably, the roster under Juan Carlos Amorós has, in certain games, underperformed. The squad is strong enough that they could and should have won a few more games.
Nevertheless, a poor run toward the end of the regular season ultimately left them where they are with 36 points. Of course, after the Current’s incredible 65 points, the rest of the playoff spots were separated by eight points, with third through eighth separated by four. In other words, based on goal differential, if two of Gotham FC’s recent draws had ended in wins, then they would be in third place. Alas, that is not the case.
How to watch Gotham FC playoff game with the Current
Date
Time
12:30 PM ET, with an expected kickoff a little after
How to watch on TV and streaming
ABC on TV and streaming on ESPN+
How to watch in person
Supporters can head to Kansas City, Missouri
How to listen
Unknown at this time
How to follow
If Gotham fans cannot watch or listen to the game, then they can follow along via the NWSL website and the club’s X account.
Final Notes
The NJ/NY side really needs Esther González to be back. The striker has been missed. But then again, others can score and should have had more goals throughout the year. But KC is playing the best defense in the league, so it will be challenging for Gotham FC to move on in the postseason.