Match Preview: NJ/NY Gotham FC Looks to Bounce Back and Secure NWSL Playoff Spot against Portland Thorns
October 6, 2023 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release
HARRISON, NJ - NJ/NY Gotham FC travels to face the Portland Thorns in a crucial match that has both clubs in close contention of clinching a postseason spot. Either side could punch its ticket to the 2023 NWSL Playoffs with a win this Saturday Providence Park (5 p.m. ET, Paramount+).
Separated by only two points in the standings, No. 2 Portland Thorns (32 points) and No. 3 Gotham FC (30 points) will meet Saturday for the second and final time this regular season. The two sides last faced off on July 9th, when Gotham FC won 2-1 at Red Bull Arena after Gotham FC midfielder Allie Long buried a deflected shot, and forward Katie Stengel scored in her club debut.
Gotham FC midfielder Yazmeen Ryan will make her first trip back to Providence Park since starting and winning the NWSL Championship with Portland last season. This campaign with Gotham FC, she has started 15 games (19 total appearances) and has recorded one assist, which found forward Lynn Williams to score the game winner against the North Carolina Courage on April 22.
Additionally, Saturday's match is global soccer icon and Gotham FC Captain Ali Krieger's second to last regular season game before she retires from professional soccer. Krieger has 195 appearances in the NWSL across all competitions. She will play in her final career regular season game on NWSL Decision Day, Sunday, Oct. 15 at 5 p.m., against the Kansas City Current at Red Bull Arena.
GOTHAM FC SCENARIOS
Scenario 1: It's win and in. Gotham FC controls its own destiny and will secure a playoff spot with at least one win in the club's last two games.
Scenario 2: Gotham FC Draw AND Washington Spirit Draw or Loss AND Houston Dash vs. Angel City Draw
Scenario 3: Gotham FC Draw AND Washington Spirit Loss AND Houston Dash vs. Angel City Draw
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