Matchday: Friday, June 14, 2025
Kickoff Time: 9:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM MT
Venue: America First Field (formerly Rio Tinto Stadium), Sandy, Utah
Broadcast: MSG, NWSL+, Paramount+
Overview: Utah Royals vs. Gotham FC – Battle at the Bottom of the Table
The Utah Royals FC (1-8-2, 5 points) host NJ/NY Gotham FC (3-5-3, 12 points) in a crucial NWSL Week 12 matchup between two clubs desperate to regain form. Utah sits at the bottom of the standings, while Gotham—winless in their last four—looks to stop the slide and climb back into playoff contention.
Utah Royals: Searching for Stability and a Spark
The Royals have endured a difficult return season to the NWSL, managing just one win in 11 matches. Their most recent outing was a 1-0 loss to the Portland Thorns, marking their third straight defeat. Offensively, Utah has struggled mightily, scoring just 6 goals all season, the lowest in the league.
Key Players to Watch:
Mandy Freeman – Veteran defender and one of the few consistent performers
Mikayla Cluff – Midfield engine with strong passing range
Brianna Martinez – Brings pace and width on the flanks
Team Stats:
Goals Scored: 6
Goals Conceded: 21
Home Record: 1-3-1
Gotham FC: Desperate to End Winless Streak
Gotham FC enters this match on a four-game winless run, including a recent 2-1 loss to Kansas City Current. Despite a talented roster, the Bats have struggled to find the back of the net, with just 1 goal scored in their last four matches—and that was an own goal by the opposition.
Key Players to Watch:
Esther González – Spanish international with 3 goals this season
Yazmeen Ryan – Creative midfielder capable of unlocking defenses
Mandy Freeman – Anchors the backline and contributes on set pieces
Team Stats:
Goals Scored: 10
Goals Conceded: 14
Away Record: 1-2-2
Head-to-Head: Royals vs. Gotham FC
All-Time Record: Gotham FC leads the series
Last Meeting: Gotham defeated Utah 4-1 in 2024 at America First Field
At Utah: Gotham has won 2 of their last 3 visits
Tactical Breakdown & Prediction
Expect Gotham to control possession and press high, looking to exploit Utah’s defensive lapses. The Royals will likely sit deep and try to counter through wide areas. Both teams are under pressure to produce goals, but Gotham’s superior midfield and attacking depth could prove decisive.
MATCH ODDS
Utah Royals + 370 Draw + 240 NJ/NY Gotham FC – 135
Over 2.5 + 125 Under 2.5 – 180
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 12, 2025
