The NWSL is gearing up for some intense rivalries this weekend.
Will Gotham FC’s matchup on Saturday, facing off against the third-place Washington Spirit, live up to the growing anticipation?
“Building a rivalry takes time, but we certainly feel like we’re going head-to-head with them. We’re really looking forward to the game,” one player noted.
And, let’s not forget last year’s playoffs. Gotham’s dreams of championship glory ended painfully in the semifinals against Spirit in D.C. last November. They equalized in the final moments, clinching the win with a penalty kick.
“There’s some rich history between us,” said Gotham midfielder Rose Lavelle. “Every time we face the Spirit, we know we’re up against a talented team. It always turns into a tough match.”
A lively crowd is expected for the midday game at Sports Illustrated Stadium, which will be broadcast on ESPN.
Here are a few key points to consider:
1. Can Gotham find their footing?
Currently at 5 wins, 5 losses, and 4 draws, Gotham just barely falls on the right side of the playoff line, sitting in eighth after a less-than-stellar draw in Chicago last weekend. Now they have three consecutive home games, an opportunity to climb higher in the standings.
“I want to bounce back from what was probably not our best performance last week,” Lavelle expressed.
2. Will Estelle continue her scoring streak?
Gotham forward Esther Gonzalez, who tops the NWSL golden boot standings, missed the last game while representing Spain in the Eurofinals, where she scored 10 goals—half of her team’s total.
Gonzalez, a finalist for this year’s Ballon d’Or, is set to play on Saturday but might have her minutes limited, as per coach Juan Carlos Amoroz.
3. What’s next for Trinity Rodman?
The USWNT star was sidelined for almost four months due to a chronic back injury, also joining her boyfriend at his international tennis events during that time.
Upon her return last weekend, she scored the dramatic game winner, moving her to tears in an emotional moment.
