Overview
- The clash kicks off at noon ET on Saturday at Sports Illustrated Stadium and will be broadcast on ESPN with streaming available via ESPN+ and FuboTV.
- The NWSL’s new Rivalry Weekend initiative spotlights this regional derby after last season’s semifinal ended in a Spirit stoppage-time equalizer and penalty-kick win.
- Gotham FC enter in eighth place (5-5-4), holding the final playoff spot as they begin a three-game home stretch to climb the standings.
- Coach Juan Carlos Amorós has imposed a minutes restriction on Golden Boot leader Esther González, who has scored 10 goals this season, to preserve her fitness.
- Washington Spirit sit third (8-4-2) and aim to extend their strong run after Trinity Rodman’s emotional match-winning return from a back injury last weekend.