Match Preview: NJ/NY Gotham FC to Take On North Carolina Courage in Quarterfinals of 2023 NWSL Playoffs

HARRISON, NJ (Thursday, October 19, 2023) – NJ/NY Gotham FC will face the North Carolina Courage in the opening round of the 2023 NWSL Playoffs on Sunday, Oct. 22 at WakeMed Soccer Park (7:00 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network). Sunday will be Gotham FC’s third playoff appearance in club history.

Gotham FC and North Carolina have faced each other four times in 2023, including the regular season and UKG NWSL Challenge Cup. Overall, Gotham FC has the edge at 2-0-2 this season, while North Carolina holds the advantage at 11-6-5 in all-time meetings, across all competitions.Last time the two clubs met, Gotham FC battled back from a two-goal deficit to steal a point at WakeMed Soccer Park. Rookie defender Jenna Nighswonger converted a penalty kick, and defender Maitane López and forward Midge Purce each scored a goal to bring it to a 3-3 result.

In addition, Gotham FC forward Lynn Williams has a rich history with the opposing side, as she will face her former club in the quarterfinals of postseason play. With the Courage, Williams played an integral role in securing two NWSL Championship titles (2018, 2019) and three NWSL Shields (2017, 2018, 2019). The club was previously known as the Western New York Flash prior to relocating to North Carolina in 2017. Williams was drafted sixth overall to the Flash in 2015, led the club to its first ever NWSL Championship (2016), was named the 2016 NWSL MVP, and earned the Golden Boot Award (2016).

Last time out, Gotham FC drew 2-2 against the Kansas City Current at Red Bull Arena in global soccer icon and Gotham FC captain Ali Krieger’s final regular season match of her career. With the draw, Gotham FC clinched the sixth seed in the 2023 NWSL Playoffs and completed the 2023 regular season with an 8-7-7 record, doubling their win total from last season. In the match, Purce and midfielder Yazmeen Ryan netted two goals for their club early in the first half. To add to the drama of the match, Krieger prevented a potential equalizer in the 33rd minute, when the captain sprinted into goal for a sliding save to help extend her career another match.

On Sunday, Gotham FC and North Carolina will kickoff at 7:00 p.m. ET from Cary, North Carolina.

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