NJ/NY Gotham FC has had a lackluster start to their 2024 campaign. The team has a 1-2-2 record and sits in 11th place. They are only a couple of points out of a playoff spot, so a few wins in a row can bump them up the table. However, there are concerns about their performances and the lack of goals. The injury bug is prevalent, but the roster is strong and deep enough that they should be doing better.
Truthfully, they should have won their games against the Kansas City Current and Racing Louisville FC. The 1-1 draws at home were not good enough. Hopefully, May will be a better month, especially when the Bats are in New Jersey.
Gotham FC will play five games in May. Here is a look at the schedule and who the team will play.
The May 2024 schedule for Gotham FC
Saturday, May 4: Gotham FC vs North Carolina Courage
Gotham FC will play the first of their two May home games against the North Carolina Courage. The Courage already beat the Bats in the opposite fixture, so the home team will want revenge. The second-place side will remain a difficult one to take all three points from. There is a reason they have four wins on the year. Gotham must figure out their goal-scoring issues before Saturday if they want any chance of winning their second match.
Wednesday, May 8: Gotham FC at Houston Dash
The Houston Dash is another team that is struggling in 2024. On paper, Gotham FC arguably has the stronger roster, regardless of the injuries. Therefore, this is the road fixture that fans should expect a win. The NJ/NY side has to improve in the attack though, for Houston goalkeeper Jane Campbell can make it difficult for opposing teams to find the back of the net. It would be great for Gotham to earn a mid-week win before traveling to face a talented San Diego Wave.
Sunday, May 12: Gotham FC at San Diego Wave
Gotham will continue their mini road trip when they play against the San Diego Wave. The California team narrowly beat the Bats 1-0 in the NWSL Challenge Cup. Historically, Gotham has never beaten the Wave in the regular season, so this will be the most challenging fixture in May. They might be 2-2-1 at this time, but fans should expect them to improve as the season progresses. If Alex Morgan and Jaedyn Shaw are both available, for Morgan is out right now with an ankle injury, then things can quickly become bad for the Bats.
Sunday, May 19: Gotham FC vs Chicago Red Stars
The second home game of May will see the Chicago Red Stars at Red Bull Arena. At this time, Chicago is in fifth place with a 3-2-1 record. This should also be the fixture where serious conversations are a must if Gotham FC's struggles continue. Ideally, by the time May 19 rolls around, things will be much better for the squad. Similar to Houston, the Red Stars have a great goalkeeper in Alyssa Naeher. The goal-scoring struggles must be put to bed when they face Chicago.
Friday, May 24: Gotham FC at Bay FC
Gotham FC will finish out the month of May back in California to play against Bay FC. The schedule is a little crazy since they are in California one weekend, back in New Jersey the next, and then travel back to California. While Bay FC is in their inaugural season, the travel could impact the match for the Bats. At the same time, it is difficult to predict what the game will be like since the home team is so new to the NWSL. They are 2-4-0 and in tenth place, so it will be interesting to see Bay FC and Gotham FC stand by the end of May.