Washington Spirit’s road to the NWSL Championship doesn’t get any smoother this weekend, when they face super team NJ/NY Gotham FC at home in Buzzard Point for the quarterfinal round.

The youngest team in the semifinals, Washington rely heavily on their talented rookie class, as well as young stars like Trinity Rodman and Tara McKeown. They faced a tough challenge against Bay FC in the quarterfinal round, eventually winning 2-1 in extra time. Though they prevailed through a combination of luck, individual performance, and their trademark problem-solving skills, their injury-depleted roster could struggle if they have to face another 120-minute battle today.

Gotham FC are a high-pressing team with a deep bench and the intelligence to switch positions on the fly to make sure they cover as much space as possible. Not content with resting on their laurels after winning the 2023 NWSL Championship, they went on to add well-known veterans (including 3 players on ESPN’s recent top 50 list) to a roster that could just win another. Gotham also played to a 2-1 win in extra time in the quarterfinals (besting Portland Thorns), but have enough game-ready players to potentially outlast the younger Spirit.

These teams were evenly matched during the regular season, both earning 56 points and with the goal differential favoring the Spirit by just two. The Spirit won both of their early-season contests, but both teams have changed since then. In Gotham’s case, that included the addition of shot-stopper Ann-Katrin Berger in goal, while in Washington’s case, the season-ending injuries of Croix Bethune and Andi Sullivan were perhaps more notable.

For more details on how these teams match up statistically, read André Carlisle’s analysis on Beyond the Vaudevillian Cane.

The Spirit will once again be relying on a full stadium of fans to give them a boost of energy in difficult moments. The team reported that the game sold out in just 72 hours after the game was scheduled, although some standing-room only and resale tickets are still available.

Key Player: Rosemonde Kouassi

Rosemonde Kouassi returns from a two-game suspension today and should help provide some of the dynamism Washington lacked on attack last week. The 22-year-old Ivorian forward joined the Spirit in mid-season and made an immediate impact on the pitch, helping to fill the void created by the injuries of Croix Bethune and Ouleye Sarr. In just eight matches, she’s made two assists and become second on the team for shot-creating actions per 90.

Watch Out For: Esther González

Spanish forward Esther González can threaten the Spirit both through her smart positioning and deadly accurate passes. She leads Gotham with nine goals and four assists but perhaps more concerning is how many of those have been in the last five matches. Scoring five goals and one assist in her final four regular season matches, González is in exceptional form coming into this game.

Challenges: Washington’s all-rookie midfield could struggle to keep possession and find the forward line in the face of Gotham’s high-press. Leicy Santos could help, particularly with ball movement, but it’s not clear whether she’s ready to play a full 90 after returning from injury last week.

Previously: The Spirit beat Gotham 2-0 in two competitions this year.

NJ/NY Gotham FC Availability:

Out: Crystal Dunn (excused), Sinead Farrelly (SEI – concussion), Svava Gudmundsdóttir (excused absence), Kelley O’Hara (SEI – knee), Midge Purce (SEI – knee)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Croix Bethune (SEI – knee), Lyza Bosselmann (SEI – wrist), Anna Heilferty (SEI – knee), Civana Kuhlmann (SEI – knee), Andi Sullivan (SEI – knee), Ouleye Sarr (back)

Questionable: None

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Kickoff time: 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 16
Referee: Matt Thompson
Available TV: CBS
Available streaming: Paramount+