Gotham FC vs Utah Royals FC: How to watch, time, and more of first meeting since 2020

Finally, after a long week of games, NJ/NY Gotham FC will play their third and final match in seven days.  After beating Seattle Reign FC and tying C.F. Monterrey Femenil in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup, the Bats will look to bookmark the long week with a win.  They will welcome Utah Royals FC to New Jersey and will face the team for the first time since 2020.

Utah folded after the 2020 season and was re-established in 2023.  The “expansion team” returned to NWSL play this year, and has been struggling.  They sit in 13th place in the standings and have a 4-13-3 record.  The Royals are just one point above the last-place Houston Dash.  Therefore, Gotham FC should end the day victorious.  Anything less would not be acceptable.  Despite the busy week, the Bats certainly have the roster to come away with all three points. 

Once again, it will be interesting to see how Juan Carlos Amorós rotates his team.  While the ladies did not achieve the ideal result against Monterrey, they did not appear to be tired and overplayed.  Instead, the Mexican team did well in holding the NWSL side to a draw.  But will the team have fresh enough legs for Utah?  That is something everyone should pay attention to this weekend.

Fans should expect Yazmeen Ryan to start since she did not play on Wednesday due to a red card in the previous Champions Cup match.  In addition, Rose Lavelle and Delanie Sheehan should start since they came on as substitutes against Monterrey.  The Gotham FC head coach also has options with his defense since he has managed the minutes well for most of them.

How to watch and time of Gotham FC’s match against Utah Royals FC

Date

Sunday, September 22

Time

1:00 PM ET, with an expected kickoff time a little after 1:00 PM ET

How to watch on TV and streaming

ESPN2 on TV and streamed on ESPN+

How to watch in person

Fans can go to Red Bull Arena

How to listen

Unknown at this time

How to follow

Gotham FC supporters can follow the game via Gotham FC’s X account.  In addition, websites like ESPN and the NWSL will have commentary feeds during the match.

Final Notes

Gotham FC will reunite with one of their heroes from the 2023 NWSL playoffs.  Mandy Haught was traded to Utah before this season and has been their starting goalkeeper.  It will be nice to see the player again.  Plus, it will be interesting to see how she does against her former team and whether the Bats can score multiple goals against her.