Gotham FC Approaches Must-Win UKG Challenge Cup Match
Published on August 9, 2023 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release
HARRISON, NJ - The stakes are high this Wednesday, Aug. 9, as Gotham FC approaches its final group stage match in UKG NWSL Challenge Cup with a win-and-in scenario against the Orlando Pride at Red Bull Arena (7:30 p.m. ET, Paramount+).
Last time out on Saturday, Gotham FC put itself in position to control its own playoff destiny with a 2-0 win over North Carolina. Katie Stengel opened scoring in the 16th minute from Midge Purce's assist, then Delanie Sheehan set up McCall Zerboni in the 59th minute. Gotham FC goalkeeper Abby Smith made two saves in goal for the shutout, the club's ninth all-time in Challenge Cup play.
A Gotham FC victory over Orlando on Wednesday would move Gotham FC up to 13 points to clinch the East Division and earn a semifinal berth. However, if Gotham FC plays to a tie, top-ranked North Carolina (11 points) would claim the division based on the goal differential tiebreaker. Additionally, a Gotham FC loss means the end of the road for the New Jersey-New York side, as it would give the North Carolina Courage an outright win of division.
Following Wednesday's match, the East Division champion will play Central Division winner Kansas City Current. The Current will be the higher seed unless Gotham FC wins by seven goals or more over Orlando and moves up to the No. 2 seed.
The semifinals are set for Sept. 6, and the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup final will take place on Sept. 9.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from August 9, 2023
- Gotham FC Earn Late Tie vs. Orlando Pride, But Bow Out of UKG NWSL Challenge Cup - NJ/NY Gotham FC
- Orlando Pride Draws NJ/NY Gotham FC 1-1 in Final UKG Challenge Cup Match - Orlando Pride
- Playoff Bracket Set Ahead of 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup Semifinals - NWSL
- Kansas City Current to Host UKG NWSL Challenge Cup Semifinal against North Carolina Courage September 6 at 7 p.m. CT - Kansas City Current
- Angel City FC Shares Evolution of Player 22 Program - Angel City FC
- Gotham FC Approaches Must-Win UKG Challenge Cup Match - NJ/NY Gotham FC
- Casey Krueger Voted National Women's Soccer League Player of the Week - Chicago Stars FC
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