Gotham FC vs Portland Thorns FC preview: The first NWSL game of 2024

The wait is over for NJ/NY Gotham FC as they open their 2024 NWSL season this weekend. The Bats opened the year in the NWSL Challenge Cup, where they lost by a goal to the San Diego Wave.  Hence, they hope to begin the regular season with a win.

It will be a tough challenge, for they will be taking on Portland Thorns FC in Portland.  The team is one of the top teams in the NWSL and will seek revenge after Gotham beat them in the NWSL playoffs last year.  Plus, they will have their incredible fan base behind them.

Meanwhile, there are questions on who will start in the match.  After coming off the bench last week, will Crystal Dunn get the start?  What about the left-back position?  Will it be Jenna Nighswonger or Kelley O’Hara?  It appears early in the season that Juan Carlos Amorós has a problem choosing who should start.  That means the depth of the squad is deep, and this is an excellent problem to have.

So, let’s not wait any longer.  Here is a preview of the game between Gotham FC and the Portland Thorns.                                                                                                

Date

Gotham FC and the Portland Thorns will play one another on Sunday, March 24.

Time

The game is at 7:00 PM ET.

Location

The fixture will take place at Providence Park in Portland, OR. 

How to watch

Supporters can catch the fixture on ESPN 2, ESPN.com/watch, or via the ESPN app.

Weather

It will be a gloomy day in Portland.  The rain should be stopping or at least close to it at kickoff.  It will be around 54 degrees, but the dampness might make it feel colder.

Injury report

As of 9:35 AM: The injury report was updated via the NWSL site.

The following players are out: Kristen Edmonds (knee), Sinead Farrelly (thigh), Svava Guðmundsdóttir (excused absence), Rose Lavelle (lower leg), and Lynn Williams (thigh).

Abby Smith (lower leg), Taylor Smith (thigh), and McCall Zerboni (knee) are all on the season-ending injury list.

Maitane Maitane López (thigh) is questionable after her injury in last week's match.

Players to watch

Gotham FC supporters should once again watch Crystal Dunn.  It will be interesting to see whether she starts after coming off the bench.  In addition, how will she play in the return to Portland?  This is something to pay attention to.

Fans should watch Sophia Smith from the Thorns.  The forward is always a goal-scoring threat, so the Bats will have to limit her chances on the ball.  Her quality though makes her someone to keep an eye on as the match progresses.

Prediction

Truthfully, Gotham FC still needs time to become a powerhouse team.  They have one of the more talented rosters on paper.  However, with the fact they are on the road in Portland, the prediction is that it will be a 1-1 draw.