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Gotham FC’s unstoppable NWSL streak vs Seattle Reign’s last chance

Playoff dreams hang in the balance as Gotham FC aims to crush Seattle Reign’s hopes in a thrilling NWSL showdown

By Izabelle Franca

NJ/NY Gotham FC midfielder Delanie Sheehan (17) moves the ball against Seattle Reign FC midfielder Quinn (5) at Red Bull Arena
NJ/NY Gotham FC midfielder Delanie Sheehan (17) moves the ball against Seattle Reign FC midfielder Quinn (5) at Red Bull Arena / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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It's one of those matches expected with rapt attention this NWSL season: NJ/NY Gotham FC host Seattle Reign. Entering the field on Monday, September 16th, in good form at Lumen Field, the two teams will be jostling for precious points as the season nears its close to firm up their spots in the standings.

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Gotham FC: The Team on the Rise

Gotham FC heads into the match feeling pretty positive. Their 2-1 win over Houston Dash this past weekend at Red Bull Arena really tested the mental toughness of each player and their decision-making late in the game. In a game that saw them level going into stoppage time, the forward Esther stepped up, netting a last-minute goal to secure three more points for the team.

That victory-the team's 11th of the season-meant a lot, not only for standings but also for the symbolic value it had in showing Gotham's resilient spirit. No wonder they are just starting to be formidable. With 14 wins in 19 games, the squad looks more and more ready to make a challenge for the NWSL title. Plus, this win streak set a new club record for regular season victories, topping the marks from 2013 and 2017.

Another standout in the squad is Yazmeen Ryan. She scored early, netting her third of the season just 10 minutes into the match against Houston. Ryan has found herself a staple in Gotham's attacking lineup. Of course, there is also Lynn Williams, who seems to keep showing her class. Her assist for Esther's game-winner was her 29th in the NWSL, placing her among the top assist providers in league history.

Seattle Reign: Back in the Game

On the other side, Seattle Reign comes into this match with restored faith after a pulsating victory against Angel City at home. The team finally seems to have found its rhythm after a shaky start to the season. After conceding an early goal just 8 minutes into the game, Reign showed their grit. They let the game swing with goals from Sofia Huerta and Jin So-Yun before halftime. The final score underlines the new momentum that this team has picked up going into this full-of-belief match 3-2.

This win was important to the Reign, who are currently sitting 11th in the NWSL standings. Though currently out of the playoff zone, they sit just five points from the top teams. A win against Gotham FC may just be what they need to inch themselves even closer to securing a playoff spot.

What to Expect from This Matchup

A look at recent history between Gotham FC and Seattle Reign has to do with remarkable balance, since the last meeting, in June, finished with a 1-1 equalizer.

It's hard to give an assured favorite with both teams doing well at this point in time. Gotham FC is consistent in nearly all aspects and even pulls off wins at the later stages of games, so it takes a slight advantage over Reign in comparison. But playing on home soil, Reign cannot be counted out as they have showed attacking power while overcoming Angel City.

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