Gotham FC’s home streak on the line as Bay FC fights for NWSL playoff spot

The matchup that could define the season of two rising NWSL clubs pits Gotham FC against Bay FC this Saturday at Red Bull Arena. While both teams have different fights on their hands, with Gotham looking to find a spot atop the table and Bay FC desperate for a playoff spot, this is expected to be a game full of tension and decisive moments.

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Gotham FC: A Fortress at Home

Gotham FC are on an amazing run at home; seven wins in nine matches on their turf show that turning Red Bull Arena into a fortress isn't just coincidental. The perfect balance of solid defense and lethal attack has presented the best home campaign ever to the team. And if that wasn't all, they're also running away with the Concacaf W Champions Cup, thanks to their 13-0 blowout victory in Jamaica over Frazsiers Whip recently.

But the most exciting things about that dominant victory were Lynn Williams and Yazmeen Ryan, who each had a hat trick apiece in that match. This speaks to the depth and talent Gotham has, with the firepower to dismantle opponents at will. Carrying such momentum into this clash against Bay FC, the team heads into this clash oozing confidence and aware that a win here will further boost their playoff readiness.

Even with a 1-1 draw against Kansas Current in their last outing, Gotham sits comfortably in third place with 44 points. Of course, they understand how razor-thin this season is, and there really is no room for complacency against a hungry Bay FC team still fighting for a playoff spot.

Bay FC: The Unwanted Guest

If Gotham is nearly unbeatable at home, Bay FC has proved to be one of the league's most dangerous teams on the road. Having five away wins so far, Bay have indeed shown they do know how to get it done outside of their home turf, and Asisat Oshoala has become a real thorn in the side of their opponents. Fresh off the Olympics, the forward has seemed to find the back of the net when needed, including that penalty securing a 1-0 victory over Seattle Reign in their last match.

But Bay FC is fighting not just for a playoff position, they're fighting to survive in competition. Current holders of the final playoff berth, they are barely in front of Racing Louisville, so they can't afford to slip up. More than ever, Bay will have to keep the back door closed tight, an area which improves significantly since Abby Dahlkemper's arrival in August. It has since conceded more than one goal once only, a statistic that could be key in running any kind of attacking momentum for Gotham.