Match Preview: NJ/NY Gotham FC Face Washington Spirit in a Battle for Playoffs
HARRISON, N.J. (Friday, September 15, 2023) – NJ/NY Gotham FC continues its journey for an NWSL Playoff berth with a crucial home match against the Washington Spirit at Red Bull Arena on Saturday, Sept. 16 (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG Networks, Paramount+), when the club recognizes Childhood Cancer Awareness Night presented by Hackensack Meridian Health.
The match will feature a thrilling head-to-head meeting between two teams that are jockeying for postseason positions with an incredibly small margin for error. No. 5 ranked Gotham FC (27 points) and No. 6 ranked Washington Spirit (26 points) are separated by one point and one place in the NWSL standings. In addition, Gotham FC remains within close reach of the top of the table - sitting only three points behind the league-leading San Diego Wave (30 points).
Both clubs approach Saturday’s match for their fourth and final regular-season meeting of this campaign, with a 1-1-1 record. The matchup will be the 36th meeting between Gotham FC and Washington in all competitions. Only Portland and OL Reign have met more frequently with 37 matches.
Last time out, Gotham FC rallied with a late, second-half surge to earn a road point in a 3-3 tie against the North Carolina Courage on Sept. 2. Maitane López scored her first NWSL goal in the 73rd minute, and U.S. Women’s National Team forward Lynn Williams set up forward Midge Purce for the 82nd-minute equalizer. Adding a spark to second-half play, newly crowned 2023 World Cup champion Esther González made her Gotham FC debut.
Gotham FC officially introduced Esther González on Thursday night at a media event at Mercado Little Spain in New York City with a celebration of her arrival and her first media opportunities.
In honor of González, Gotham FC’s new No. 9, the club is offering 9% off tickets to the match.
As Gotham FC honors Childhood Cancer Awareness Night, the club will honor nurse and pediatric cancer patients from Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health at Joseph M. Sanzari and K. Hovnanian Children's Hospitals throughout the night, including participation in the pregame coin toss and torch lighting ceremonies. Additionally, there will be a “round-up” option at select Red Bull Arena concessions to benefit Tackle Kids Cancer. Since Tackle Kids Cancer’s inception in 2015, more than $25 million has been raised in support of research, treatment options and patient care programs.
Before the match kicks off, the Gotham FC Fan Fest presented by CarMax will be open from 5-7 p.m. ET outside of Gate B at Red Bull Arena. Gotham FC Fan Fest activities will include face painting, hair braiding, lawn games and much more.