Gotham FC vs Washington Spirit preview: Surviving the heat and a top team

The recent run for NJ/NY Gotham FC has been very impressive.  They have won five games in a row and are unbeaten in the last nine.  The team remains one of the top defensive teams in the NWSL.  In addition, their depth allows for rotation and coverage when one player is injured.

Will they continue their run when the Washington Spirit comes to New Jersey to play them for the second time this season?  Their last meeting in D.C. was not great for Gotham since they played horribly and lost 2-0.  The visitors are also having a fantastic season and have not taken their foot off the pedal.  Therefore, this might be the most difficult match of the season for the Bats.  This could also be the hottest fixture of the season, so the heat could influence the players' performances.

At the same time, they continue to compete with the top teams in the league.  Plus, over the last five fixtures, they are the only team that has won all five.  It helps that Ann-Katrin Berger has been superb since she joined the team.  Also, there have been multiple goal-scorers. This allows for peace of mind when there are injuries.

Let’s not wait any longer.  Here is a preview of the upcoming match between Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit.

Date 

Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit will play one another on Sunday, June 23.

Time

The fixture is at 1:30 PM ET.

Update as of 7:00 PM on 6/22: The fixture is now at 6:00 PM ET due to the heat.

Location

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

How to watch

Fans can watch the match on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, or ESPN+.

Update as of 7:00 PM on 6/22: It will now be on ESPN2 due to the time change.

Weather

People might have thought that Wednesday’s game was hot.  However, Sunday will be brutal.  It will be about 95 degrees at the beginning of the game, but it could feel like 101 degrees with the heat index.  The humidity will not be too bad at around 40% and there will be a slight chance of rain.  Thunderstorms are expected later on.

Update as of 7:00 PM on 6/22: With the new time change, the weather will be around 93 degrees where there is still a chance of storms. The temperature should drop about eight degrees as the match progresses.

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), and Lynn Williams (lower leg) are all out. Ella Stevens (lower leg) is questionable.

Players to watch

One player Gotham FC fans should watch is Rose Lavelle.  The midfielder continues to make a difference for the NJ/NY side.  Her goal against San Diego Wave FC could be nominated for the Goal of the Season.  It is her work when she has the ball that influences the team for the better.  The passes in the midfield and final third are smoother and more accurate.  She can pick out teammates and create chances.  Without Lavelle, this unbeaten streak likely would not have happened.

On the Spirit, fans should pay attention to rookie Croix Bethune.  She is easily making a case for Rookie of the Year with her five goals and eight assists.  Her contributions to Washington are a major part of why they are in third place.  It would not be shocking if she contributes to a goal in some way.

Prediction

Gotham FC might have lost the previous fixture, but the team feels different at this time.  So, the prediction is that the Bats will win 2-1.  This has been the result of many games this season and with Washington’s offensive talent, at least one goal should get past Berger.  Another late goal will seal the deal for the home team.