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NJ/NY Gotham FC is looking to win their second road game of the season as they head to North Carolina to take on the North Carolina Courage. The Bats started the NWSL season with a thrilling 1-0 win over Portland Thorns FC, so the ladies will want to continue the momentum before heading into the international break.
Sadly, the great start to the campaign also came with devastating news. Midge Purce will miss the rest of the season due to an ACL tear. The winger was posed to have a tremendous season after battling some injury problems last year. In addition, many thought she could make the USWNT for the Summer Olympics.
Purce will be missed on the pitch, but hopefully, she will be ready to go and better than ever in 2025. In the meantime, the vast depth of Gotham illuminates there are plenty of players to choose from to play on the wings. The team’s talent means they will be threatening regardless of whether they are home or away. North Carolina is tough to beat in their stadium, but after the win in Portland, the positivity is there.
Here is a preview of the upcoming Gotham FC fixture against the Courage.
Date
Gotham FC and the North Carolina Courage will face off on Saturday, March 30.
Time
The game is at 7:00 PM ET.
Location
The match will occur at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC.
How to watch
Fans can watch the game on NWSL+. The streaming service is free; one just needs to sign up in order to watch.
Weather
It is going to be a beautiful day in Cary. At game time, it will be sunny and around 72 degrees. There is no chance of rain.
Injury report
Purce (knee) is out for the year. McCall Zerboni (knee), Abby Smith (lower leg), and Taylor Smith (thigh) are on the season-ending injury list at this time.
9:15 update: Kristen Edmonds (knee), Svava Guðmundsdóttir (excused absence) Sinead Farrelly (thigh), Rose Lavelle (lower leg), and Lynn Williams (thigh) are all unavailable for Saturday.
Players to watch
Gotham FC fans should pay attention to Cassie Miller. The goalkeeper has been impressive in her first few games with the Bats. If she continues her strong start to the season, then she can earn another clean sheet. At the very least, she will make life difficult for the home side.
On the other team, supporters should watch Casey Murphy. The Carolina goalkeeper is one of the more talented keepers in the NWSL. There is a reason she is consistently called up to the USWNT. She had nine clean sheets last season, which was tied with Kailen Sheridan. This match could easily become a battle of the goalkeepers.
Prediction
After the win against Portland, the prediction for the second away fixture is positive. Gotham FC will win 2-0, similar to their last result against the Courage. One of the goal-scorers will be unexpected, but the defense will have another impressive performance.