Game: Gotham FC vs. San Diego Wave
Where: Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey

When: Sunday, June 4, 2023

Time: 3:00 p.m. PST

TV: CBS Sports Network

The San Diego Wave will begin a two-game road trip this Sunday, June 4, as the southern California team visits Gotham FC at Red Bull Arena.

This is a tough trip to take after a midweek Challenge Cup game against OL Reign on Wednesday, May 31, as coach Casey Stoney expressed after that match.

The Wave suffered their worst home loss ever in that Challenge Cup game, falling 3-0 to the Reign at Snapdragon Stadium. It was a tough loss to take, but there were some positives to take from it, like the debuts of Shae Yanez and Giovanna Demarco, as well as the first start back from injury by Taylor Kornieck.

Meggie Dougherty Howard also appeared in her first game back from injury, as she will help out the team with a congested schedule and the World Cup on the horizon. Alex Morgan took the day off completely on Wednesday, not even appearing on the bench, as she will be well-rested for this vital match against Gotham.

Despite the tough loss in the Cup, the Wave is on a nice three-game undefeated streak in league play, coming off a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Portland Thorns. The Thorns scored a goal in the 90th minute of that match to tie the game at Snapdragon Stadium, spoiling a 279-minute scoreless streak in regular season NWSL play.

Kailen Sheridan and the Wave backline have been in exc,ellent form recently, and they will have a very tough task against Lynn Williams and the Gotham attack. Gotham is currently third on the NWSL regular season table with 17 points, coming off a 1-1 draw against the Washington Spirit away from home.

Gotham is on a five-game undefeated streak in all competitions, with very impressive away wins against OL Reign and Chicago Red Stars in this run. Lynn Williams has been the standout player for the Tri-State area team with four goals this season, while Margaret Purce has two goals and two assists.

In their five-game undefeated run, Gotham has only allowed one goal or less in each of these games, as goalkeeper Abby Smith and team captain Ali Krieger have done magnificent work in this span of games. Alex Morgan has been in excellent form recently, but she and the Wave attack will have a very tough task in hand at Red Bull Arena.

With a win from this game, the Wave has the potential to finish as high as second place on the NWSL table, while Gotham can potentially finish first with the three points from the match.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.