Gotham FC Welcomes Portland Thorns in Key NWSL Showdown

HARRISON, N.J. – Gotham FC is set to face the Portland Thorns tonight in a crucial NWSL match at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on MSG with streaming available on NWSL+.

Both teams are currently tied with 31 points in the standings, each holding an 8-6-7 record. Gotham sits third, benefiting from a superior goal differential of four. The outcome of this match could significantly impact the postseason picture in the NWSL.

Gotham coach Juan Carlos Amorós has made strategic changes to the lineup, reintroducing Mandy Freeman and Josefine Hasbo after a 1-1 draw against Bay. This was Gotham’s only match since a challenging 12-day road trip on the West Coast.

Freeman, who has the most appearances in Gotham’s history, will wear the captain’s armband for her 10th start this season. She joins a strong defensive unit including Bruninha, Jess Carter, and Emily Sonnett, which has the second-best defensive record in the league, allowing just 0.86 goals per game.

Hasbo will bolster the midfield alongside Jaelin Howell and Rose Lavelle. Howell has been in excellent form, contributing three goals and one assist over the last nine games. Lavelle has also been productive, with two goals and one assist in her last four outings. This match marks Hasbo’s third start after joining Gotham this summer.

With Brazilian forward Geyse sidelined due to a knee injury, Jaedyn Shaw, a promising 20-year-old, will fill the attacking role. Shaw is expected to make her second start in the NWSL. She will partner with Esther González, who is co-leading the league with 13 goals this season, and Midge Purce on the wings.

The Gotham FC substitutes include goalkeeper Shelby Hogan, defenders Kayla Duran and Lilly Reale, midfielders Sofia Cook and Sarah Schupansky, and forwards Khyah Harper, Gabi Portilho, Katie Stengel, and Mak Whitham.

Meanwhile, defender Tierna Davidson, midfielder Taryn Torres, and forwards Geyse and Ella Stevens will not participate in the match due to injuries as indicated in the NWSL player availability report.