Gotham FC vs San Diego Wave FC preview: Seeking three more points

After beating Racing Louisville FC on the road, NJ/NY Gotham FC will return home for a midweek game and the start of a three-game homestand.  The Bats will play against San Diego Wave FC, a team they have never won against.  They did earn the first draw last month in California, moving the needle in the right direction.

This could also be the perfect time to beat the Wave.  The visitors have not won in their last five matches, while Gotham FC has won four in a row.  They are also unbeaten in their last eight fixtures.  The way the defense has been playing can make life difficult for San Diego.  Hence, the Bats need to score a few goals and continue the strong defensive performances to take all three points.

Moreover, the team must look toward the weekend.  Gotham FC will play against the Washington Spirit.  That will be the most challenging game of the month, which is not to say the San Diego fixture will not be.  Rather, these are two back-to-back difficult home games.  It would be better to grab all three points right away than risk losing two fixtures in a row.

The game will begin sooner rather than later.  Here is a preview of the next battle between Gotham FC and San Diego Wave FC.

Date

Gotham FC and the San Diego Wave will face off on Wednesday, June 19.

Time

The fixture is at 7:00 PM ET.

Location

The game will take place at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ.

How to watch

Fans can watch the game on the MSG Network or NWSL+.

Weather

Wednesday will be extremely hot in Harrison.  As such, fans must stay hydrated and cool if they plan on attending the match.  At kickoff, it will be about 86 degrees and partly cloudy.  The humidity will be about 45%.

Injury report

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

Kristen Edmonds (knee), Esther González (foot), Svava Guðmundsdóttir (excused absence), Kelley O'Hara (knee), Ella Stevens (lower leg), and Lynn Williams (lower leg) are all out for Wednesday. The addition to Stevens is a major blow to the attack. Still, there is plenty of scoring talent available.

Players to watch

Gotham FC fans must pay attention to Crystal Dunn.  She scored her first goal of the year in the last home fixture against Angel City FC.  She struggled a little on the road against Racing Louisville over the weekend, so will she start?  Everyone should watch to see what impact she makes on the game and whether she can be a threat on the wings or in the midfield. However, with the injuries to the forwards, one can expect her to start.

Supporters should watch Alex Morgan on the Wave.  She missed a few matches due to injury and has zero goals in the regular season.  It will be interesting to see whether the defensively strong Gotham side keeps her out of goal and forces a poor performance.

Prediction

Gotham FC continues to get results.  Their unbeaten run has caused plenty of positivity in the club and among the fans.  Therefore, the prediction is that the Bats will win 2-1.  It will remain tied for a while, but someone will come off the bench to give the team the lead and the win.