2024 NWSL Playoffs: Who will Gotham FC play in their quest for playoff glory?

Gotham FC was one of the favorites to win the NWSL Shield at the start of the season. Although Juan Carlos Amoros' team failed to usurp Orlando Pride, they can still finish the season well.

With a playoff win, the Bats would clinch back-to-back titles and add luster to a season in which they were more bridesmaids than bride. Defeat in the Challenge Cup final by a single goal from Alex Morgan was infuriating. The disappointment for the New Jersey team was even greater when they finished second in the inaugural NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup.

Gotham has relied on being stingy at the back, which has masked the cracks in the attacking areas. Although this has led some critics to call them boring at times, it could be huge during a playoff run. You win games through attack, you win titles through defense.

Why didn't Gotham FC win the NWSL Shield?

To put it simply, Gotham hasn't scored enough goals this season. Their record of 37 puts them behind Orlando, Washington Spirit and KC Current. In 14 matches, Gotham either drew or scored once.

These goal-scoring issues didn't necessarily always play a role, however, as Gotham was keen to keep its opponents out. The acquisition of legendary German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger at the start of the season added even more quality to an already strong defence. U.S. internationals Tierna Davidson and Jenna Nighswonger are both having strong seasons. The mid-season arrival of Lioness Jess Carter further strengthened an already formidable defense. In just a few months, Carter has established herself as a first-choice defender.

From an offensive perspective, Esther Gonzalez, Rose Lavelle and Ella Stevens all scored seven goals each – a respectable total – but a look at the numbers tells the whole story. Gonzalez went on an eleven-game streak without scoring. Lavelle has scored just two goals with the USWNT since returning from Olympic glory. Stevens scored five of her goals between May and June in a blistering run of form.

Therefore, they needed reinforcements from other players. That just didn't happen. Aside from Yazmeen Ryan and Lynn Williams, who have each scored four goals so far in the regular season, no other Gotham FC player has scored more than two goals.

Gotham will also highlight a disastrous period from late March to April in which they scored just two points out of a possible 12. Even collecting a few of those extra 10 points on offer could have meant the Shield came to New Jersey.

Who can Gotham FC play in the NWSL playoffs?

Due to the tight NWSL standings, Gotham FC could still end up in three different positions depending on results this weekend.

If the results are favorable, Gotham can move up to second place and face the seventh-place team, currently Portland Thorns. The Goths secured two shutouts against the Thorns this season, winning 1-0 and 2-0 respectively.

If they stay in third place, Gotham FC will face the sixth seed, currently Chicago Red Stars. Gotham have already beaten the Red Stars three times in 2024, twice in the NWSL and once on penalties in the Summer Cup.

However, due to similar shortages in the bottom half of the playoff spots, the sixth seed could be Portland or even Bay FC. Gotham has a strong record against Bay FC, with two wins in the regular season, including a 5-1 win at Red Bull Arena in October.

If Gotham drops to fourth place, the picture changes as they move to the other side of the draw. This means another clash with North Carolina Courage. Gotham and NC each have one win against each other in their respective home games this season. A win in this game would also likely mean a semi-final clash against defending Shield champions Orlando Pride.

When are the NWSL playoffs?

The NWSL playoffs begin on Saturday, November 9th, with the grand final taking place on November 23rd.