NWSL Match Preview: NJ/NY Gotham FC (5-5-4) vs. Washington Spirit (8-4-2)

Match Details

• Time: 12:00 PM ET
• Venue: Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, NJ
• Broadcast: ESPN & ESPN+
• Weather: Sunny, low 80s, 40% humidity, 0% chance of rain

Team Overview

NJ/NY Gotham FC

• Record: 5–5–4 (7th in NWSL standings)
• Recent Form: D-W-W-L-L
• Key Notes:

• Returning home after seven weeks away
• Won the reverse fixture 3–0 in April
• Rookie Sarah Schupansky leads the league in assists (5), with one in each of her last three games
• Esther González, top scorer in EURO 2025, returns to lead the attack
• Celebrating “Keep Her in the Game” match with community initiatives and giveaways

Washington Spirit

• Record: 8–4–2 (3rd in NWSL standings)
• Recent Form: W-D-L-W-W
• Key Notes:

• Trinity Rodman returns from injury and scored a stoppage-time winner last week
• Croix Bethune continues to shine in midfield, earning multiple NWSL weekly honors
• New head coach Adrián González has revitalized the squad since taking over from Jonatan Giráldez
• Looking to avenge their April loss and solidify playoff positioning

Tactical Snapshot

Gotham’s midfield creativity vs. Washington’s pace and pressing will define the tempo.