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HARRISON, NJ (Aug. 9, 2023) – 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.
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