This weekend is crucial if Gotham FC is going to make the playoffs. Some favorable mid-week results put Gotham in the drivers seat of their destiny. We'll cover all that and more here.
First, we want to thank this week's podcast guest Shep Messing. What an interview. Listen and find out some incredible facts about his love for Gotham FC and him trying to buy Gotham FC twice. Also, some quick stories about growing long island soccer, Mohammed Ali meeting Pele, driving Frans Beckenbauer to Giants Stadium, and more.
Want to win 2 supporter tickets for Carli Lloyd's last regular season game at Red Bull Arena? Simply rate us on iTunes and you are entered. Easy as that. We will randomly select winner on the 23rd.
Let's get to the weekend! Here are the current standings.
Highlights: Gotham has two less games played than the teams above them. Yet sit only 4 points from 3rd place. That's plenty of chances to get above the line starting with this Sunday's game against the Courage who they beat 3-1 a couple weeks ago.
You may not know this but despite sitting just below the playoff line with 4 games to go. Gotham can still finish atop the table. Here is how Gotham can do it from our twitter friends Portland Stems.
Before we preview Gotham's Game on Sunday lets look at this Saturdays games and see who we are rooting for and against.
· Racing vs Orlando: Go racing. This game won't have an effect on Gotham winning the shield but any help taking away points from Orlando helps our chances. Orlando is currently 8th.
· Chicago Kansas: Go Kansas. Chicago is definitely fighting for those last playoff spots with Gotham and Kansas is not making the playoffs. A KC win would be beneficial to securing a playoff spot. Side note: We are bringing back friend of show Danielle from the Blue Crew next week to talk about KC's crazy season and some big stadium news next week.
· OL vs Washington: Two ways to look at this. Gotham is competing for Washington for those last playoff spots. So any drop in points would help Gotham to get above the line. However, as the Stems pointed out, if Gotham wins out and OL drops points to Washington they could finish atop the table getting a home playoff run. Your call.
Onto Gotham's Sunday matchup with the Courage. Here are some items of note.
- The return of Allie Long. Long was suspended from last weeks game due to yellow card accumulation. Here is why this is a good thing. Long had played nearly every minute this season. Giving long a much needed break and reset right before this final push. Also it gave Gataene Thiney a chance to get back on the field and get some confidence going into the final stretch.
- Fast starts under Parkinson. Gotham has gotten off to fast starts the past couple games under the new coach scoring early in matches and putting heavy pressure on opponents. Gataene scored in the first 3 minutes of both halves against Orlando. The Courage are reeling. An early goal could take the wind out of the courage's sails.
- The Courage after being near the top of the table have dropped 4 of their last 5. Murphy had 11 clean sheets going into that stretch and now has given up 9 goals in 4 games. One of which was 3 goals to Gotham FC. The Courage are playing for their playoff lives. If Gotham wins it could nearly take them out of contention for those last playoff spots in the table. Expect a desperate Courage team to throw everything at Gotham.
- Gotham enters the match undefeated in 4 games with two draws and 2 wins. Both wins had Gotham scoring 3 goals in each game. Last week against Orlando was the first time since August that Gotham had given up more than a goal.
- A win could put Gotham as high as 4th in the table and monumental step closer to getting in the playoffs.
- Predictions: Ruby says a big 3-0 victory. Gary says 2-0.
LETS GO GOTHAM!!!
Se you all next week on our next podcast! Rate and subscribe to us on all podcast platforms! Win some tickets!!!
Gary Gibson
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