HARRISON, NJ (Wednesday, November 13, 2024) - NJ/NY Gotham FC head to the nation’s capital to play the Washington Spirit in the 2024 NWSL Playoff Semifinals, after defeating the Portland Thorns 2-1, thanks to a 97th minute winner from midfielder Rose Lavelle.

This will be the 40th meeting between the two sides in all competitions, the most-played matchup for both teams, but the first in the NWSL playoffs. Against Washington, Gotham FC has a record of 13-17-9. On the road against the Spirit, Gotham FC has a record of 5-8-6. The club has faced the Spirit on three occasions this season, with a record of 1-2-0.

The most recent matchup between the two sides took place at Subaru Park on July 28, when Gotham FC hosted the Spirit in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. Forward Yazmeen Ryan converted from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute to give Gotham FC a 1-0 win. 

The Washington Spirit enter this match having won its last four matches and its last six matches at home. Washington’s last defeat at home came on July 31, in a 3-2 loss to the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. At home this season, Washington has a record of 10-2-1 (W-L-D) in NWSL league play, second best in the league only to the Orlando Pride.

Gotham FC finished with a record of 8-3-2 away from home in the 2024 NWSL campaign, totaling 26 points, second to the Orlando Pride, who earned 27 points on the road. The club scored 18 goals and conceded nine in away matches this season, finishing with a goal differential of +9, the best road goal differential in the league.

Key Notes

• Gotham FC tied with the Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit for most wins on the road this season, with eight wins.
• Gotham FC had the fourth most shots on target on the road in the NWSL regular season, with 66.
• Yazmeen Ryan ranked third in the regular season in chances created away from home this season, with 26 chances (including assists).
• Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger obtained five clean sheets on the road this season, second only to Orlando’s Anna Moorhouse.
• Gotham FC completed 4,607 successful passes on the road this season, third best in the NWSL.
• Lynn Williams is the sole leader in career playoff assists (4) after setting up Tierna Davidson for the opening goal on Sunday.
• Gotham FC's 11 goals in the last 15 minutes (plus stoppage time) of matches rank second in the league.

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