The highly anticipated NWSL matchup between NJ/NY Gotham vs Portland Thorns FC is set for Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM ET. Hosted at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. The reigning champions, Gotham FC, currently sitting third in the standings, take on the Portland Thorns, who are battling for playoff positioning, in a rematch of their 2024 playoff quarterfinal.
NJ/NY Gotham FC has been in top form, riding a four-match winning streak, including a 2-1 playoff victory over Portland in November 2024, with goals from Tierna Davidson and Rose Lavelle.
The team recently acquired USWNT star Jaedyn Shaw for a record $1.25 million intra-league fee, bolstering their attack. Despite injuries to Midge Purce (ACL) and Tierna Davidson (questionable, thigh), Gotham’s depth and home dominance make them favorites.
Portland Thorns FC is coming off a 4-1 home win against Gotham in April 2025, their first victory over the Bats since 2023, driven by rookie Caiya Hanks and Mimi Alidou.
However, injuries to Marie Müller, Nicole Payne, and Morgan Weaver (all knee) and the absence of Olivia Wade-Katoa and Sophia Wilson (maternity leave) have depleted their squad. The Thorns aim to leverage their road resilience to challenge Gotham.
NJ/NY Gotham vs Portland Thorns NWSL Match Preview
As the 2025 NWSL regular season winds down, the showdown at Red Bull Arena is crucial for playoff positioning. Gotham FC, known for its championship experience and offensive strength, looks to notch a fifth consecutive win against Portland, while the Thorns aim to replicate their April upset in a thrilling, high-stakes battle.
Team News and Analysis
NJ/NY Gotham FC has a strong squad despite Purce’s absence and Davidson’s questionable status. Their defensive solidity, second in the league for goals conceded, and attacking output, led by new signing Jaedyn Shaw and Rose Lavelle’s recent form (four goals in six matches), make them formidable at home. Coach Juan Carlos Amorós emphasizes maintaining their unbeaten home run.
Portland Thorns FC faces challenges with key injuries, forcing reliance on rookies like Hanks and veterans like Sam Coffey. Their defense has been leaky, conceding four goals in a recent match, but their road form offers hope. Coach Rob Gale will focus on counter-attacks to exploit Gotham’s high press.
Head-to-Head Record
Gotham FC has dominated recent encounters, winning four straight against Portland before the Thorns’ 4-1 victory in April 2025. Across 24 meetings, Portland leads with 11 wins to Gotham’s 8 and 5 draws, with matches averaging 2.5 goals. Gotham’s playoff wins, including a 2-1 quarterfinal in 2024, give them a psychological edge.
| Date | Competition | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 10, 2024 | NWSL Playoffs | Gotham FC 2-1 Portland Thorns | Red Bull Arena |
| Apr 22, 2025 | NWSL Regular Season | Portland Thorns 4-1 Gotham FC | Providence Park |
| (Historical Average) | NWSL | Portland Wins: 11, Draws: 5, Gotham Wins: 8 | Various |
Gotham vs Portland Thorns Predicted XI Lineups
NJ/NY Gotham FC Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Berger; Freeman, Sonnett, Carter, Nighswonger; Martin, Lavelle, Ryan; Shaw, Stevens, González.
Gotham’s lineup emphasizes attacking fluidity, with Shaw and Lavelle driving the offense and Sonnett anchoring the defense.
Portland Thorns FC Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Hogan; Reyes, Sauerbrunn, Hubly, Obaze; Fleming, Coffey, Sugita; Alidou, Hanks, Turner.
Portland’s formation focuses on midfield stability and counter-attacks, with Hanks and Turner leading the forward line.
Key Players
For NJ/NY Gotham FC, Jaedyn Shaw’s debut impact and Rose Lavelle’s recent scoring form (two goals in the 2024 playoff win) make them pivotal. Ann-Katrin Berger’s goalkeeping, with her penalty-stopping prowess, adds defensive stability.
Portland Thorns FC relies on Sam Coffey for midfield control (one assist in their recent win) and rookie Caiya Hanks for attacking spark. Reilyn Turner’s header in the 2024 playoff loss showed her potential to be a game-changer.
Gotham vs Portland Thorns Match Prediction
NJ/NY Gotham FC is favored to win 2-0, leveraging their home dominance and Portland’s injury woes, with odds around 1.67 and a 60% chance of victory. Expect under 2.5 goals due to Gotham’s defensive strength, though Portland’s counter-attacks could create tense moments.
Where to Watch Gotham vs Portland Thorns
In the USA, the NJ/NY Gotham FC vs Portland Thorns FC match will air live on ESPN2 and stream on ESPN+ and NWSL+. Coverage begins at 6:00 PM ET. For live scores and highlights, check the NWSL official website or FWCN.