Winning is the only option for Gotham FC on Decision Day

There is one game left in the regular season, and NJ/NY Gotham FC knows they will play in the NWSL Playoffs. A draw with Racing Louisville FC secured a spot in the postseason for the Bats. As such, the team will play at least two more matches in 2025.

However, since winning against Portland Thorns FC, the NJ/NY side has gone winless in the last three NWSL fixtures. Two ended in draws, and the lone loss was somewhat expected since the ladies played the NWSL Shield winners, the Kansas City Current. Additionally, they have scored only twice, both of which came in the Louisville match.

This is a little concerning with the playoffs around the corner. Gotham FC needs everyone to be at their very best for the rest of the year, regardless of how many games are played. Moreover, the recent results have brought the Bats from third place to seventh, highlighting how tight the standings are in the NWSL table.

Gotham FC's Decision Day scenarios

That is why it is vital that the NJ/NY team wins on the road against the North Carolina Courage. At the same time, other results around the league will influence where Gotham finishes in the table once Decision Day is over.

Right now, the team could finish anywhere from fourth to eighth place. A loss and Racing Louisville win would see them drop to eighth. Then, a draw could see the Bats stay in seventh place regardless of a Louisville win since they lead in goal difference. The only way the NJ/NY team could move all the way up into fifth place would be for both San Diego Wave FC and Portland Thorns FC to lose their matches.

Now, a win would mean that Gotham would finish the regular season with 39 points. To move into fourth place, San Diego and Portland could not win by any means. But for Seattle Reign FC and the Orlando Pride, that is not the case. Interestingly, Seattle is playing the Orlando Pride, and they sit in fourth and third place, respectively. The Bats just need to win, and for San Diego and Portland not to win.

Thanks to goal difference, Gotham FC can secure fourth place if that scenario occurs. It would not matter if the Seattle and Orlando game ends in a draw or a win for either side. The Bats have the better goal difference compared to all four of those teams. A win for Orlando would see Seattle stay at 38 points, a draw would see Seattle have 39 points, and a win for Seattle would see Orlando finish with 39 points. Each scenario would lead the NJ/NY side to end the year in fourth place and earn a home game in the quarterfinals.

Again, the other results must go the Bats' way. More importantly, Gotham FC has to win their game. Otherwise, the dream of finishing higher in the table will disappear. So much can happen on Decision Day, and it should be a wild ride.