Gotham FC vs North Carolina Courage preview: Where are the three points?

The last time NJ/NY Gotham FC won a game was during the NWSL season opener.  The Bats won on the road 1-0 against Portland Thorns FC.  Since then, they lost their two other road game and then drew in their two home fixtures.  As such, three points are desperately needed as the North Carolina Courage is their next opponent.

Gotham FC lost 1-0 when they first faced the Courage in March.  They were incredible on the offensive end, but could not find the back of the net.  This has been a trend so far in 2024, where the ladies either cannot score or only score once.  Since the visiting team is a difficult side to face, the NJ/NY team must find the back of the net more than once if they want a shot at winning all three points.

Meanwhile, Gotham’s offensive output is there.  Last weekend, they had 19 shots against an unbeaten Racing Louisville FC.  The difference was that multiple shots were blocked, leading to just 4 shots on target. Then, in the home opener against the Kansas City Current, the side had 14 shots with five on target.  Trying is not the issue, rather, it is capitalizing on their opportunities.

The Bats have a big task ahead of them.  Here is the preview for the match between Gotham FC and the North Carolina Courage.

Date

Gotham FC and North Carolina will play one another on Saturday, May 4.

Time

The game is at 7:30 PM ET.

Location

The match will occur in Harrison, NJ at Red Bull Arena.

How to watch

Supporters can watch the game on Ion.

Weather

It will be a dull evening weather-wise in Harrison on Saturday.  At kickoff, it will be around 55 degrees and cloudy, with about a 15% chance of rain.

Injury report

Midge Purce (knee) is out for the year.  Abby Smith (lower leg), Taylor Smith (thigh), and McCall Zerboni (knee) are on the season-ending injury list at this time.

Tierna Davidson (thigh), Kristen Edmonds (knee), Svava Guðmundsdóttir (excused absence), and Kelley O’Hara (knee) are all out for Saturday. Maitane López (illness) is questionable for the match.

Players to watch

Like last week, Gotham FC fans should watch Lynn Williams.  She will continue to have her minutes restricted, so she will not play the entire 90 minutes.  However, she continues to get closer to her usual self on the pitch after every match.  It would not be surprising if she contributes in some way, even if it is not a direct assist, to a goal.  Of course, Gotham has to score.

Then, supporters should watch Ashley Sanchez on the Courage.  The midfielder continues to have a strong season.  The player has one goal, three assists, and acts as a driving force in her team’s attack.  Her tactical abilities will make her someone to pay attention to.

Prediction

It is good to be positive.  While Gotham FC has not had the best of starts, this is the game the team will turn things around.  The Bats will win 2-0 and there will be an unexpected goal-scorer, likely from the defense.