PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Scheduled Kickoff: 7:00 PM PT
Venue Type: Soccer‑specific stadium with excellent sightlines; tends to favor attacking play due to wide pitch and fast surface.
CURRENT TEAM CONTEXT
NJ/NY Gotham FC (9‑3‑4)
Gotham enters as one of the league’s most balanced and defensively disciplined teams. Their attack is efficient, their midfield is cohesive, and their back line has been among the best in the NWSL. They thrive in possession and transition, and their star‑powered roster continues to elevate their ceiling.
Bay FC (5‑7‑3)
Bay FC has been inconsistent in their inaugural seasons but remains dangerous. Their attack is creative, their midfield is improving, and their home form has stabilized. Defensive lapses and late‑game breakdowns have cost them points, but they have enough firepower to threaten any opponent.
INJURY REPORT
NJ/NY Gotham FC
Lynn Williams — Day‑to‑Day (hamstring)
Rose Lavelle — Active (minor ankle soreness)
Abby Smith — Out (knee)
Estelle Johnson — Active
Bay FC
Racheal Kundananji — Active (minor quad tightness)
Jen Beattie — Out (foot)
Dorian Bailey — Day‑to‑Day (hip)
Asisat Oshoala — Active
RECENT TEAM FORM
Gotham — Last 10 Matches: 6‑2‑2
Goals For: 1.6 per match
Goals Against: 0.9 per match
Strength: elite defensive structure, strong midfield control
Weakness: occasional scoring droughts
Bay FC — Last 10 Matches: 4‑4‑2
Goals For: 1.4 per match
Goals Against: 1.6 per match
Strength: dynamic attacking trio, strong wing play
Weakness: defensive organization, set‑piece marking
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
Rose Lavelle (Gotham) vs. Dorian Bailey (Bay)
Lavelle is Gotham’s creative engine
Bailey is a strong two‑way midfielder but may be limited Edge: Lavelle
Lynn Williams (Gotham) vs. Asisat Oshoala (Bay)
Williams provides elite pressing and pace
Oshoala is one of the league’s best finishers Edge: Even — depends on Williams’ fitness
Kundananji (Bay) vs. Tierna Davidson (Gotham)
Kundananji’s speed is elite
Davidson is one of the best center backs in the league Edge: Davidson — positioning and anticipation win out
Gotham Midfield vs. Bay Midfield
Gotham’s trio controls tempo and possession
Bay’s midfield is improving but inconsistent Edge: Gotham
SERIES HISTORY
2026 Season Series: First meeting
No historical data due to Bay FC’s recent entry
Gotham historically performs well against expansion clubs
BETTING TRENDS
Gotham
Gotham is 7‑3 in their last 10 matches
Under has hit in 6 of their last 10
Gotham is 5‑2‑1 away from home this season
Bay FC
Bay is 4‑4‑2 in their last 10
Over has hit in 7 of their last 10
Bay has conceded 2+ goals in 6 of their last 10 matches
Head‑to‑Head
First-ever matchup
Gotham holds statistical and roster advantages
ADVANCED ANALYTICS SNAPSHOT
Team Metrics
| Category | Gotham | Bay FC |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.58 | 1.34 |
| Expected Goals Allowed (xGA) | 0.92 | 1.61 |
| Possession | 53% | 48% |
| Shots per Match | 13.9 | 12.4 |
| Pressing Efficiency | High | Moderate |
Key Statistical Edges
Gotham +0.24 xG advantage
Gotham +0.69 xGA advantage
Gotham +5.1 in successful high presses per match
Bay FC -0.27 in set‑piece xGA (weakness)
PROJECTED MATCH SCRIPT
Gotham controls early possession
Bay FC looks to counter through Kundananji and Oshoala
Lavelle and Davidson stabilize Gotham’s structure
Bay struggles to break down Gotham’s compact defense
Second half: Gotham’s midfield dominance creates multiple chances
Bay stays competitive but defensive lapses prove costly
MATCH ODDS
NJ/NY Gotham FC – 150
Bay FC + 340
Draw + 260
Over 2.5 – 110 Under 2.5 – 140
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, July 28, 2026
