Gotham FC Faces San Diego Wave, Shaw Available for Debut
Gotham FC, riding a five-match unbeaten streak, travels to Snapdragon Stadium to face the San Diego Wave on Friday at 10 p.m. ET. The match holds significant playoff implications and marks the potential debut of new signing Jaedyn Shaw. A win could propel Gotham FC into third place in the NWSL standings.
Shaw's Arrival and Team Lineup Changes
Jaedyn Shaw, Gotham FC's high-profile acquisition, is available as a substitute for this crucial match. The 20-year-old previously played for the San Diego Wave, where she scored 13 goals in 49 appearances, helping them win the 2023 NWSL Shield. Coach Juan Carlos Amorós has also reintroduced Rose Lavelle and Midge Purce into the starting lineup after their impactful performances against Angel City.
The starting lineup sees Ann-Katrin Berger in goal, protected by a defense of Bruninha, Emily Sonnett, Jess Carter, and Lilly Reale. The midfield features Jaelin Howell, Esther González, and Rose Lavelle, while Midge Purce, Geyse, and Gabi Portilho lead the attack.
Key Players and Form Analysis
Rose Lavelle will captain the side and aims to continue her comeback form after a goal against Angel City. Esther González is a joint-leading scorer in the NWSL with 12 goals, while Jaelin Howell has been in good form recently. For San Diego, goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan is on the verge of reaching 600 career saves.
Gotham FC enters the match with momentum after defeating Angel City 3-1, while San Diego is looking to bounce back from a 3-0 loss to the Houston Dash. Gotham boasts a strong road record of 4-2-3 this season.
How to Watch and Team News
The match will be broadcast nationally on Amazon Prime Video. Live updates will also be available on GOAL. Gotham FC will be without Tierna Davidson and Ella Stevens due to injury.
Starting Lineups and Substitutes
Here is the confirmed Gotham FC lineup:
- GK: Ann-Katrin Berger
- DEF: Bruninha, Emily Sonnett, Jess Carter, Lilly Reale
- MID: Jaelin Howell, Esther González, Rose Lavelle (C)
- FWD: Midge Purce, Geyse, Gabi Portilho
Substitutes include Shelby Hogan (GK), Jaedyn Shaw, Josefine Hasbo, Taryn Torres, Sarah Schupansky, Kayla Duran, Mandy Freeman, Katie Stengel, and Khyah Harper.
Historical Context and Coach's Perspective
Gotham FC holds a 1-6-1 all-time record against the Wave, including a 1-0 loss earlier this season. Coach Juan Carlos Amorós emphasized the challenge posed by San Diego, stating, "San Diego is a great team... It's definitely going to be a challenging game, but one we feel ready for." He also highlighted the team's consistent defensive performances and the need for sharper finishing.
Match Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Teams | San Diego Wave FC vs NJ/NY Gotham FC |
| Date | Friday, September 12 |
| Time | 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT |
| Location | Snapdragon Stadium |
| Streaming | Amazon Prime Video |
