NJ/NY Gotham FC will begin a busy September on the road when they face the first-place Orlando Pride. This will be the first time the two are meeting in 2024 and it will likely be a difficult game. The Florida side has yet to lose an NWSL fixture this season. While the Bats are good, as seen in their dominant win over Portland Thorns FC last weekend, the home team is on another level.
Thankfully, Gotham FC has many players who can start the match. With the team’s injury history, their depth has been the perfect gift. Plus, based on the performances in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, fans know most of the players can compete at a high level. Multiple starters were at the Olympics during this summer tournament, so this gives supporters hope that maybe they can hand Orlando their first loss.
However, the Pride has been a stronger offensive side compared to the Bats. They have Barbra Banda, who has 12 goals in the regular season thus far. She is currently in second place in the Golden Boot race and has been vital to Orlando’s top form. Their turnaround from finishing in seventh place in 2023 and tenth in 2022 has been superb.
That does not mean Gotham FC cannot beat them. The NJ/NY team has one of the best defenses in the league and added another strong defender with the signing of Jess Carter. The numerous options in the backline ensure that Ann-Katrin Berger has protection before anyone shoots on the goal. The German goalkeeper then makes big-moment stops when opposing players can shoot on target. A strong defensive performance could give Gotham a chance to come away with all three points.
How to watch and time of the match between Gotham FC and the Orlando Pride
Date
Time
6:00 PM ET, with an expected kickoff time a little after 6:00 PM ET
How to watch on TV and streaming
MSGN on TV and NWSL+ for streaming
How to watch in person
Supporters could go to Orlando for the long weekend
How to listen
Unknown at this time
How to follow
Gotham FC fans can follow the game via Gotham FC’s X account. In addition, websites like ESPN and the NWSL’s website will have commentary feeds during the match.
Final Notes
It would be nice to see Gotham FC in a similar offensive formation that is almost identical to the Portland match. However, Orlando is a dangerous team. It might be smart to go with a more defensive backline by starting Carter and Tierna Davidson as the center-backs and putting Emily Sonnett in as the defensive midfielder.