Venue: Sports Illustrated Stadium (formerly Red Bull Arena), Harrison, New Jersey.
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET.
TV/Streaming: Prime Video.
This is a key late-season NWSL matchup between the league-leading Gotham FC (strong Shield contenders) and a solid playoff-positioned Portland Thorns side. Gotham sits atop the table with a strong defensive record, while Portland ranks among the higher-scoring teams.
Current Player Rosters
Portland Thorns FC:
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold (starter), others.
Defenders: Sam Hiatt (captain), M.A. Vignola, Reyna Reyes, Carolyn Calzada, Jayden Perry.
Midfielders: Jessie Fleming, Deyna Castellanos, others (Olivia Moultrie out).
Forwards: Sophia Wilson (leading scorer, ~8–10 goals), Pietra Tordin (assists leader), Caiya Hanks (recent return from injury), Morgan Weaver (returning fitness).
The attack relies on Wilson and Tordin’s creativity; defense is organized but has faced higher concession rates.
NJ/NY Gotham FC:
Goalkeepers: Ann-Katrin Berger (strong clean-sheet leader).
Defenders: Tierna Davidson (captain), Jess Carter, Bruninha, Mandy Freeman (Emily Sonnett out).
Midfielders: Rose Lavelle, Jaelin Howell, Jaedyn Shaw, Guro Reiten, Savannah McCaskill.
Forwards: Esther González, Sam Kerr, Midge Purce, Jordynn Dudley.
Gotham features high-quality international talent and depth, with excellent possession and defensive structure (league-leading clean sheets and low goals against).
Injury Reports
Portland Thorns: Olivia Moultrie (ACL, season-ending); Bella Bixby (knee, SEI); Julie Dufour (knee, SEI); Marie Müller (hip); Isabelle Obaze (thigh); Reilyn Turner (knee); Morgan Weaver (excused/fitness management in some reports, but returning). Frontline and midfield depth is tested.
NJ/NY Gotham FC: Emily Sonnett (ruptured patellar tendon, season-ending since July); Kayla Duran (knee, SEI); other minor absences possible but core largely available. Defensive depth is affected but still strong with Davidson and Carter.
Current Weather Forecast (Harrison, NJ)
Partly sunny to mostly cloudy with a chance of showers/thunderstorms (around 40% chance). High near 82–84°F during the day, cooling to the upper 60s at night. Humidity moderate to high; light winds (around 5 mph from the west/northwest). Conditions should be playable with possible brief interruptions if storms develop in the evening.
Recent Team Forms
Portland Thorns (recent form strong at home but mixed overall): Recent results include a win over Denver Summit, a win over Orlando Pride, a high-scoring win at Boston Legacy, a heavy loss at Utah Royals, and a 2-2 draw vs. Gotham. They score well (~1.5–1.7 GPG) but concede more (~1.4 GPG). Road form is less consistent.
NJ/NY Gotham FC (excellent recent form, long unbeaten streak in stretches): Recent results feature a 0-0 draw at Angel City, wins over Kansas City Current, San Diego Wave, Houston Dash, and Bay FC. They are defensively elite (league-low goals against, many clean sheets) with solid possession dominance and efficient scoring. Home form is particularly strong.
Series History
The sides drew 2-2 in their most recent meeting on July 24, 2026, at Providence Park (Portland). Historical head-to-head is competitive (Portland holds a slight edge overall in many past seasons, but Gotham has been strong in recent encounters, including home wins). Matches often feature goals, with both teams capable of controlling possession or countering effectively.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Sophia Wilson / Pietra Tordin vs. Gotham backline (Davidson, Carter, Bruninha): Portland’s primary scoring threats will test Gotham’s organized defense. Wilson’s movement and Tordin’s creativity are key; Gotham’s clean-sheet ability makes this a tough matchup.
Sam Kerr / Esther González / Jaedyn Shaw vs. Portland defense (Hiatt, Vignola): Gotham’s attackers against a Thorns side that concedes more freely. Kerr’s finishing and Shaw’s dynamism could exploit spaces.
Rose Lavelle / Guro Reiten vs. Jessie Fleming / midfield battle: Possession and transition control will be critical. Gotham typically dominates the ball; Portland must disrupt and counter.
Goalkeeper battle: Berger’s shot-stopping vs. Arnold.
Gotham holds advantages in defensive organization and depth, while Portland’s attacking talent can produce moments of quality.
MATCH ODDS
Portland Thorns + 475
NJ/NY Gotham FC – 220
Draw + 310
Over 2.5 – 145 Under 2.5 – 105
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, August 27, 2026
