Denise Duffy and Jonathon Hagger provide their weekly detailed look ahead to one of this week’s games in the NWSL including details from the pre-game media events (1/6/23).

Above: Gotham FC’s Sinead Farrelly goes for goal. Photo: Jimena Panduro.

The top of the NWSL leaderboard has become a log jam with six teams contending for the number one spot.

Following Gotham FC’s unlucky 1-1 draw against a quality Washington Spirit last weekend, the Bats have managed to hold on to the #1 spot atop the NWSL by a very slim margin of a single point. Gotham’s foe this week is the San Diego Wave, who are tied for second along with three other teams. Depending on the results across all matches there is every chance there could be a new number #1 by the end of round 10. 

Gotham FC return home to play in front of what will be their biggest audience after two away games on the road while the Wave travel from coast to coast. Both teams will enter Red Bull Stadium on Sunday afternoon, AEST, with impressive home and away win records meaning there is very little to separate these two teams. Will there be an outright winner or will the match result in a draw?

With the FIFA Women’s World Cup starting in six weeks’ time, every NWSL team is looking to bank as many quality results as they can, so that in the absence of their star players, they have positioned themselves well to make the playoffs beginning late October 2023. 

The San Diego Wave Gotham FC squads are very evenly matched in terms of depth of player talent and results achieved so far. Together the two teams have a combined total of 27 goals scored through nine matches, this match could shape up to be a box-to-box fast feet, offensive feast.

Team Comparisons

The Wave started the 2023 season in hot form notching up impressive wins at home before narrowly losing to OL Reign on the road. Through their last five matches, the Wave have achieved mixed results with three wins and two losses. There is no way of knowing in what form the Wave will arrive in as they come off two wins in a row. Based on their track record a loss is certainly a strong possibility.

On the other side of the pitch, Gotham FC comes into the match playing decisive football. They are brimming with confidence after taking down the OL Reign with a comprehensive 4-1 win. This is in stark contrast to the team who finished last in 2022. Gotham midfielder Delanie Sheehan commented on her team’s form so far, “Coming off of last year at the bottom of the table, it’s a step in the right direction, but it’s early.”

Gotham FC continues to maintain a winning formula in the 4-3-3 formation which has yielded positive results. The depth of players in the squad means the team can focus on their style of play knowing that every position is well covered no matter who the role holder is on any given day.

The Wave on the other hand have tinkered around with their formation but have largely settled into a 4-2-1 giving Alex Morgan free reign up front to be a pure striker. With Rachel Hill and Sofia Jakobson providing quality ball from the wings the Gotham wingers will be required to put in some big defensive pushes.

““I’m proud of this group of players, the football we are displaying, and how they believe in the style of the game plan,” said Gotham FC head coach, Juan Carlos Amorós.

Tumbling Records

Sam Kerr (Chelsea FC) holds the NWSL league record with 227 shots on goal, but two players are closing the gap including Gotham FC’s Lynn Williams with 218 and San Diego Wave’s Alex Morgan with 207. There is no doubt that these two players will be firing shots on goal – the crucial element is – which player will have the luck of getting the ball past the opposition’s goalkeeper?

Based on formations and player qualities we expect this match to be a game of to and fro.  Gotham FC will come out on the front foot looking to stamp their authority on the match while the Wave will likely sit and ride out the early offensive onslaughts. The Wave will be looking to pounce on loose ball control, cutting off passes and intercepting, and implementing fast counter-attack initiatives when they present themselves. 

• Taylor Smith – Forward. Playing alongside Lynn Williams often means that Smith’s excellent performances are not given the attention they deserve. We encourage readers to keep an eye on Smith as her consistent superb match performances have her performing as one of the best in the NWSL this season. 
• Delanie Sheehan – Forward/Midfield. Coach Amoros quickly recognised Sheehan’s potential as a great player. After three matches being used as a substitute, Sheehan has since started matches playing in the front line on the wing and at forward. When chances to score arise, Sheehan has patience and poise when on the ball evidenced through the incredible number of shots on target with most of them being inside the penalty box.
• Jenna Nighswonger – Forward. Gotham won the NWSL draft with the Nighswonger pick, and they have her for three years. She’s made a massive impact on the pitch for Gotham. Defenders should keep their eyes on her otherwise they will pay the price.

San Diego Wave are a team still working on their chemistry and onfield partnerships.

• Alex Morgan – Forward. Has five goals and two assists scored in nine matches. Morgan has never been happier playing club football.

• Sofia Jakobsen – Wing. Jakobsen is a mature player who is built for speed. Her positioning behind Morgan has yielded her two goals and an assist so far. Her overall form this season hasn’t been amazing however she put in a strong push against the Portland Thorns with a player-of-the-match performance. 

• Christen Westphall  – Defender. Two assists so far this season. Her performance against Lynn Williams and all that Gotham has running at them will be important.

What to expect in this match –

• Gotham FC have come out playing hard and fast right from the kickoff in their last few matches. They are brimming with confidence and establish their style of play from the outset. The Wave is going to need to play through the match with that same level of energy to be competitive.
• Gotham FC boast the strongest left-hand side combination in the NWSL through a player channel of Nighswonger – Mewis – Smith. We expect to see the Wave’s V-shaped structure largely setting up camp in their own half with an eye to turning turnover balls into counterattacks.
• Taylor Smith vs Alex Morgan. These two superstars of the women’s game line up against each other and it will be as exciting a matchup as they come. Morgan’s exceptional ability to position herself in front of goal makes her a total threat whereas Smith has a proven ability to cross the ball into empty spaces for her teammates to swoop in and score. 

The edge

Keeper – Abby Smith vs Kailen Sheridan. Smith continues to assert her dominance in front of goal having conceded only eight goals so far. Sheridan on the other hand has conceded 11 goals, with six of those goals coming in two matches against a much less competitive Pride team and a very strong Spirit performance. However, Sheridan has hit a purple patch of form demonstrated by her saving seven out of eight shots on target made by the Thorns in the last round. Sheridan is considered one of the top few keepers in the world, however Smith is hot right now.

Backline – The Wave allowed the Portland Thorns to take 19 shots from inside their box in their last match with eight shots being on target. Gotham FC have a proven ability to take the opportunities that are presented to them. On the other side, Gotham Defender Bruninha comes into the match in excellent form with a Player of the Match performance against the Spirit. Casey Stoney will be asking a lot of her back line anchored by Naomi Girma.

When asked about her on-pitch relationship with Abby Smith, Bruninha stated “It feels really good having Abby back there as it gives me confidence to push higher up the pitch. And she directs us well about when to push and when to fall back”.

Midfield – The Wave have used an array of players in the midfield which shows the Wave are still searching for their best combinations. There are a lot of talented players in the Wave’s midfield and they all need to step up in this match. The biggest player to watch is Taylor Kornieck. Will she come in and make a difference? She’s a massive target, and surprisingly good with her feet when healthy. She needs to take care and keep away from needless fouls.

Front Line – Alex Morgan. That’s it. That’s the edge. Can the Gotham defenders hold out Morgan from scoring? She puts her body on the line in offense and defence. The exact same thing can be said for Lynn Williams. These are two of the most complete forwards in the world.

Coaching – Juan Carlos Amorós v Casey Stoney. Stoney is widely regarded as a player and fan favourite. Amorós is racking up the wins and motivating his team. This is one of the more intriguing coach clashes. Both are smart and strong tacticians.

Coach Amorós brings a wealth of experience across global soccer to Gotham FC, having served as a head coach of clubs in the top leagues in Spain, England, and the U.S. Amorós was coach of Real Betis Féminas from 2021 – 22 and led them to a club-record unbeaten streak in Spain’s top division. Having stepped into the role of Coach for Gotham FC in late 2022 the results the team are recording prove that he is a top talent.

Back Office – Jill Ellis versus Yael Averbuch West. Two of the most capable General Managers in the NWSL. Ellis, obviously a two time world cup winner, knows how to build a team. Averbuch West, took over a flailing Sky Blue / Gotham team and has turned the ship around. A former NWSL player herself, Averbuch is a slow burn of professionalism and knowledge with a pulse closer to the game.

Fans, Stadium, and Social Media – Gotham FC are making every effort to have a big crowd of fans in the stadium. With over 11,000 tickets sold in advance, this will be the biggest match attendance they have had so far this season. The allure of watching Alex Morgan plying her trade is unrivalled. With both teams having strong winning records playing away from home there is very little edge in this regard.