This Sunday, NJ/NY Gotham FC takes on Portland Thorns FC in a blockbuster quarterfinal matchup with high stakes. More than a scrum for the semis, this is one of those fixtures where the fans just want to see the match.
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With many storylines for both teams, each side enters the quarterfinals with a story to be told. On one hand, 2023 champions Gotham FC enter the quarterfinals fresh off a record-breaking regular season in search of their 100th win across all NWSL competitions. On the other hand, the Thorns bring unmatched playoff experience and consistency over the years. It is truly a clash of generations, styles, and ambitions.
Gotham FC: Rising with Consistency
Gotham FC goes into the quarterfinal on one of its best runs in the NWSL, scoring 56 points through the regular season to shatter its record set way back in 2013 with 36 points. Finishing off the regular season with four back-to-back wins only adds to the confidence as they head into their first-ever home playoff game.
One of Gotham's biggest strengths this season has been their electric attack, fronted by star forward Esther. She's netted nine goals and developed into one of the team's most consistent players. While Esther herself showed up big on the scoresheet, her contributions to Gotham go far beyond the numbers, bringing versatility, movement, and precision to Gotham's attack that will no doubt be a critical advantage in the quarterfinals.
We can't also look past Gotham's concrete defense. Gotham showed its skill in Utah Royals' visit during the last regular season game of the year, where Gothan had early goals from Yazmeen Ryan and Mandy Freeman, then a quick double from Esther en route to a convincing 4-1 road win that showed a focused and well-rounded team-a formula that could fuel another successful playoff run.
Portland Thorns: Experience and Tradition
If any team in the NWSL knows the inside and outside of the playoffs, it's Portland Thorns FC. In fact, the Thorns have qualified for the playoffs a record 10 times-speaking volumes. But 2024 has been anything but smooth for Portland. After a grueling seven-game winless streak, the Thorns recovered in their last three matches, securing two crucial wins that clinched sixth place and a spot in the post-season.
Perhaps no moment will be more emotional for Portland this postseason than the sendoff of legend Christine Sinclair. After years of service and numerous accomplishments, Sinclair has announced plans to retire, but not before leaving it all on the field in pursuit of one final piece of hardware for the Thorns. With 13 playoff appearances under her belt, Sinclair is not only the most seasoned player on this team; she is also a role model to her teammates on and off the pitch. Her presence alone sends inspiration to the fans and young players alike.
Beyond Sinclair, of course, the Portland defense is solid and tight, with the Thorns having chiseled some of the better seasoning over the years into a resilience not many can match. While it has been somewhat of an up-and-down season for the Thorns, they'll be ready no doubt to put a great fight on the pitch against Gotham FC.
Advantage to?
The clear edge this season in the meetings between Portland and Gotham is with the former; they have met twice this season, Gotham has been victorious both times, and Portland has not seen the inside of the net. New York solidified their dominance over Portland this regular season with a 1-0 win in March and a 2-0 win in August. These wins, combined with a solid home performance, with nine wins secured for Gotham, leave them in a very comfortable position coming into this match.
Anything can happen in the playoffs, though. Portland has been here before, and that experience may give them a full distinction. Knowing to manage that stress, Sinclair's seasoned presence is critical for mentoring her younger teammates through this match's intensity. The weight of this match adds to that.
For Gotham, the key is going to be maintaining their focus and the aggressive pace that has defined their season. They need to get on the board early and attempt to push Portland into making risky plays. If Gotham's quick, precisely targeted attack can dismantle Portland's defense-as it did against Utah-then a good chance for advancement awaits them.