In a prelude to the 2024 NWSL season, Gotham FC locks horns with San Diego Wave FC in the Challenge Cup final in the Red Bull Arena, New York on Friday. Gotham FC earned a spot in the final after winning the NWSL title in 2023, whereas, the NWSL Shield win made San Diego eligible to play against Gotham. The two teams have faced each other four times and San Diego won all of those games. This time, however, Gotham boasts a star-studded roster that earned them the moniker- super team.

Besides, Gotham FC won its first silverware of the year, beating Racing Louisville in the Women’s Cup. Nevertheless, a few injuries might hamper Gotham’s faceoff against Alex Morgan and Co.

Gotham FC vs San Diego Wave FC: Injury List and Predicted Lineups

Gotham FC Injury Report

Per the latest update, Gotham FC has sidelined two major figures- Rose Lavelle and Lynn Williams due to injuries. Lavelle is reportedly nursing a lower leg injury. Meanwhile, Williams will miss the Challenge Cup due to an injury on her thigh.

Gotham FC- Expected Starting XI

Abby Smith, Tierna Davidson, Kelley O’Hara, Kristen Edmonds, Mandy Freeman, Emily Sonnett, Sinead Farrelly, Delanie Sheehan, Midge Purce, Crystal Dunn, and Taylor Smith.

San Diego Wave FC Injury Report

San Diego Wave FC has not reported any injuries ahead of the NWSL Challenge Cup.

San Diego Wave FC Expected Starting XI

Hillary Beal, Sierra Enge, Naomi Girma, Abby Dahlkemper, Kaitlyn Torpey, Danny Colaprico, Savannah McCaskill, Emily van Egmond, Alex Morgan, Jaedyn Shaw, and Amirah Ali.

Where to watch the NWSL Challenge Cup and predictions

The Gotham FC- San Diego Wave FC clash kicks off at 5 PM PT/ 8 PM ET. Fans can live-stream the NWSL Challenge Cup final on Amazon Prime Video. The Gotham-San Diego tie is available only on Prime Video and not on cable TV channels. So to watch the game on Prime, one has to either have a premium subscription or start a 30-day free trial. The subscription cost for the same is $14.99 per month or $139 per year.

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Looking at the roster and recent signings, Gotham FC has an upper hand against San Diego Wave. However, Gotham has not even once defeated or drawn against the Wave in their meetings. Besides, Lavelle and Williams’ injury will come as a huge blow to the defending NWSL champions. Hence, we predict San Diego Wave FC to win 2-1 against Gotham FC.

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