Kickoff 3:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Icahn Stadium, Randall’s Island, Manhattan, New York
TV/Streaming: ABC / ESPN Deportes / ESPN App
This is a highly anticipated NWSL Playoff Semifinal pitting the No. 1 seed and NWSL Shield winners Gotham FC against the No. 4 seed Kansas City Current. Gotham advanced with a 1-0 quarterfinal win over Seattle Reign FC. Kansas City advanced via a 1-0 extra-time victory over Angel City FC. The winner advances to the NWSL Championship on November 21 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
Note on venue: The match was relocated from Gotham’s usual home (Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J.) to the smaller Icahn Stadium (capacity ~5,000) due to poor field conditions at the primary venue. Both teams and coaches criticized the pitch quality after the quarterfinal.
Current Weather Forecast
Mostly sunny to partly cloudy and cool in the New York City area. Highs around 47–50°F (8–10°C), with lows in the mid-to-upper 30s. Northwest winds around 10–13 mph. Very low chance of precipitation. Crisp, clear fall conditions expected for the 3 p.m. ET kickoff — good for soccer, though players will likely favor layers.
Injury Reports
NJ/NY Gotham FC
Season-ending or significant absences have included Bruninha (knee – SEI), Jordynn Dudley (foot – SEI), Kayla Duran (knee – SEI), and Emily Sonnett (knee – SEI). Rose Lavelle (neck) and Jaedyn Shaw (knee) dealt with issues late in the regular season and were managed carefully; availability for the semifinal should be monitored closely as the club prioritizes health heading into the postseason. Sofia Cook (ankle) has been questionable in recent reports.
Kansas City Current
Longer-term absences have included Alana Cook (SEI), Clare Gagne (SEI), and others such as Ellie Bravo-Young (maternity). Croix Bethune and Temwa Chawinga have been key contributors when available. Elizabeth Ball and Rocky Rodríguez have dealt with leg issues at times. The Current have shown resilience despite depth challenges.
Key Roster Players
Gotham FC: Tierna Davidson (captain, defensive leader), Rose Lavelle (when available – creativity), Jaedyn Shaw (scoring threat), Midge Purce, Jess Carter, Leila Ouahabi, and a strong supporting cast under coach Juan Carlos Amorós. Gotham has relied on organization, depth, and clutch performances throughout the season.
Kansas City Current: Temwa Chawinga (elite attacker and MVP-caliber talent), Croix Bethune (midfield engine and scorer), Vanessa DiBernardo, and a physical, high-pressing style. The Current feature one of the league’s most dangerous attacks when fully firing.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Temwa Chawinga vs. Gotham’s back line (Davidson, Carter, etc.): Chawinga’s pace, power, and finishing will test Gotham’s organized defense.
Gotham’s midfield creators (Lavelle/Shaw/Howell types) vs. Kansas City’s press and midfield: Control of the center and transition opportunities will be decisive.
Wing battles and fullback matchups: Both teams attack effectively down the flanks.
Set-piece and aerial duels: Important given the physical styles and potential for a tight, knockout contest.
Recent Team Forms
Gotham FC: NWSL Shield winners with the league’s best regular-season record. Advanced via a gritty 1-0 quarterfinal win over Seattle. Strong defensive structure and experience in deep playoff runs (seeking another title).
Kansas City Current: Entered the playoffs on strong form, including a multi-game winning streak, and advanced with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time win over Angel City. Dangerous attack and motivated to go further after previous postseason exits.
Series History
The sides split regular-season meetings in 2026 (each winning at home 2-1). Gotham also defeated Kansas City in the Challenge Cup. Historically competitive, with Kansas City holding an edge in some prior head-to-head records, though Gotham has been the more consistent top-seed side this year. Playoff intensity adds another layer — the clubs have history of tight, memorable encounters.
Betting Trends
Totals often hover near 2.0–2.5 goals given both teams’ ability to control games or strike quickly.
Gotham’s Shield-winning form and home (even at the alternate venue) status typically draw support, while Kansas City’s attacking talent keeps the underdog side attractive.
MATCH ODDS
Kansas City Current
NJ/NY Gotham FC
Draw +
Over 2.5 – 175 Under 2.5 + 115
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, November 14, 2026
