Match Forecast: Seattle Travels to New Jersey for Matchup with Gotham FC on Sunday
Seattle Reign FC travels to the east coast once again, this time taking on NJ/NY Gotham FC. Back-to-back in the NWSL standings, the battle between the two teams is sure to pack the action as every team in the league attempts to rack up as many points as possible as the playoffs approach.
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. PT at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey
WHERE TO WATCH: Fans can tune in to the match on NWSL+ or Paramount+ or on FOX 13+ in the Seattle Area.
2025 NWSL REGULAR SEASON RECORDS AND STANDINGS (W-L-D): Seattle Reign FC: 9-7-6 (33 points, 4th place), NJ/NY Gotham FC: 9-6-7 (34 points, 3rd place)
Key Info Ahead of the Match:
1. LAST MEETING – Seattle and Gotham FC last met in Reign FC’s home opener on March 15. The match ended in a 1-1 draw but was end-to-end the entire 90 minutes. After a scoreless first half, Gotham opened the scoring just two minutes into the second half on a half-cleared corner kick. Gabi Porthilo was lurking at the top of the 18-yard box, where she struck a volley into the back of the net.
Emeri Adames subbed onto the field in the 69th minute of the match and made an immediate impact, adding the equalizer on just her fourth touch of the night. She cleaned up a series of chaotic deflections in the box, eventually poking the ball into the back of the net.
In all NWSL competitions, the Reign have 12 wins, 10 losses and nine draws against Gotham, scoring 44 goals compared to Gotham’s 41.
2. SCOUTING NJ/NY GOTHAM FC – Gotham FC is currently one point ahead of the Reign in the NWSL standings, occupying the third-place position with four games remaining in the season. Gotham FC has won four of their last five matches, most recently defeating Portland Thorns FC 3-0.
From the first whistle, Gotham dominated the match, scoring the opening goal just 10 minutes in. Mandy Freeman served a cross into the box and Midge Purce was there to head it into the back of the net. Gotham added a second goal as the first half was winding down, Jaedyn Shaw finding Rose Lavelle in a dangerous position and the midfielder shot low and hard beyond Portland’s goalkeeper. In the 73rd minute, Gotham put the nail in the coffin with a third tally, as Lavelle earned an assist on Katie Stengel’s strike.
3. THE PUSH FOR PLAYOFFS IN ON – With Reign FC’s comeback win over the North Carolina Courage on Sunday, the team jumped into fourth place in the NWSL standings. The critical three points put the Reign in a solid position heading into the weekend, but the team must continue the momentum to gather as many points as possible through the end of the season.
With four matches left in the campaign and six spots left in the playoffs, the race is on. As of this week, the Kansas City Current and Washington Spirit have clinched their playoff spot for 2025. Third through seventh place in the standings are separated by just three points.
4. PLAYERS TO WATCH – Reign FC’s young attacking players impressed against North Carolina, providing the energy needed for the team to pull off a comeback and earn all three points from the match. Ainsley McCammon and Emeri Adames led the charge, both subbing onto the pitch in the second half and changing the course of the match.
For Gotham, midfielder Rose Lavelle is hitting her stride, as she has scored three goals in her last four NWSL matches, in addition to earning an assist. Jaedyn Shaw has also been turning heads, as she was recently traded to Gotham FC. She immediately gelled with the team, adding a goal in her first appearance and an assist in their most recent match.