HARRISON, NJ (Thursday, November 7, 2024) - After finishing the regular season with four consecutive wins, NJ/NY Gotham FC will host a playoff game for the first time in club history against the Portland Thorns in the Quarterfinals of the 2024 NWSL Playoffs, presented by Google Pixel.

Finishing the regular season with 56 points, Gotham FC has set a new record for most points in a single regular season, crushing their previous NWSL high of 36 points in the 2013 season. 56 points earned Gotham a third-place finish in this season’s regular season standings, the best finish in club history.

Gotham FC defeated the Utah Royals on the road 4-1 to wrap up the regular season last Friday. Forward Yazmeen Ryan opened up the scoring in the 15th minute, quickly followed by a second thanks to a golazo by defender Mandy Freeman, making it 2-0. Forward Esther secured a seven-minute brace in the second half to secure all three points for Gotham FC.

The Portland Thorns enter the playoffs having won two of their last three matches after a seven-game winless streak. Portland finished the season with 34 points, earning the sixth seed heading into the playoffs.

These two sides have faced off twice in the regular season, with Gotham FC claiming victory on both occasions, winning 1-0 on March 24, and 2-0 on August 24.

Key Notes

• Gotham FC finished the regular season with nine home wins, tied for third-most in the NWSL with the Kansas City Current.
• Two Gotham FC players finished in the top ten in goals scored in the NWSL this season, including Esther (9) and midfielder Rose Lavelle (7).
• Gotham FC has scored 10 goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half, only the Washington Spirit (11) and Racing Louisville (11) have scored more in the NWSL this season.
• Gotham FC has scored eight goals in the first 15 minutes of the first half, more than any other team in the NWSL.
• Yazmeen Ryan finished the regular season with 51 chances created, the most of any player in the NWSL.
• The current winning streak (3) for Gotham FC against Portland is the club's longest in the series.
• The next win for Gotham FC will be the club's 100th in all NWSL competitions.
• Esther became the 11th Gotham FC player to reach double-digit career goals in the regular season and currently has a total of 11.
•  Esther set a club record with her third career brace.
• Mandy Freeman scored her first NWSL goal in her 95th regular season appearance.
• Yazmeen Ryan scored her fifth goal and passed out her fifth assist at Utah.

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