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NJ/NY Gotham FC’s journey in the 2024 NWSL Playoffs will continue this weekend when the ladies take on the Washington Spirit. The Bats beat Portland Thorns FC in the quarterfinals thanks to a late goal from Rose Lavelle to make it to the semifinal game.
The next match will be extremely difficult. The Spirit was the one team that figured the NJ/NY side out during the regular season, winning the home and away fixtures 2-0. However, during the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, Gotham won 1-0. Notably, the win came despite offensive struggles. Both teams were missing multiple players due to the Olympics, especially the Bats. Hence, the Starting XI Juan Carlos Amorós will put out this time will be different compared to that summer match.
Thankfully, Gotham FC has improved tremendously with their goal scoring since they resumed NWSL play after the Olympics. They finally had some games where they scored more than two goals. They have also been unbeaten in their last nine NWSL fixtures. Their current form gives some fans hope that the Bats can win regardless of the tribulations against Washington.
Truthfully, this game will likely come down to the defense. Ann-Katrin Berger cannot play similarly to how she played last weekend. While Portland was not too threatening on goal, the German made a few mistakes where she was lucky nothing happened. It was an abnormal game for the goalkeeper, but who knows what would have happened if the Thorns had more shots on target. Berger must be her usual self against a dangerous Washington Spirit.
How to watch Gotham FC in the semifinals and more
Date
Time
12:00 PM ET, with an expected kickoff time a little after 12:00 PM ET
How to watch on TV and streaming
CBS and Paramount+
How to watch in person
Fans can travel to Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
How to listen
Unknown at this time
How to follow
Gotham FC supporters can follow the game via Gotham FC’s X account. In addition, websites like ESPN and the NWSL will have commentary feeds during the match.
Final Notes
If the Washington coaching and training staff were smart, then they would focus on Esther González and Rose Lavelle. González has been on fire, scoring most of her nine NWSL goals since the NWSL resumed in August. Lavelle is the driving force in the midfield and is always a threat in the attack. These are the two biggest players to stop, but the Bats could also set a trap for their opponents. Focusing on the two could lead to opportunities for players like Yazmeen Ryan and Ella Stevens. Gotham FC must prepare for such tactics.