First-place Gotham FC enters Friday riding an impressive six-match unbeaten streak ahead of what should be a challenging matchup against fourth-place San Diego Wave FC.
Friday’s contest will be the first time that the Bats have played at Sports Illustrated Stadium since May 31, when they defeated the Houston Dash 1-0.
The Bats travelled across the country like a touring band of rock stars over that seven-game stretch, which included an interlude of home dates at Citi Field and Icahn Stadium.
Back Home, Gotham FC Looks To Keep Rolling
Having gone 5-1-1 after the June break, Gotham will look to continue its strong form and keep up its dominant play at home. The Bats own a 5-1-3 home record in 2026.
“We’re excited to be back home, playing in our stadium,” Gotham FC acting head coach Shaun Harris said during Thursday’s pre-match press conference. “It’s been a while, so everyone’s really excited. We’re looking forward to seeing the fans, seeing the environment and being back in our space.”
When Gotham and the Wave last met on July 4, San Diego earned a 2-0 victory at Snapdragon Stadium, which was also Gotham’s most recent defeat.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” Harris stated. “San Diego poses a lot of threats. They beat us the last time at their place, so we really want to establish that dominance, control the game and ultimately put the ball in the back of the net to give ourselves a chance of winning.”
Lately, Gotham’s second-choice goalkeeper, Shelby Hogan, shone while No. 1 goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was rested for consecutive games by recording clean sheets against Bay FC and Houston.
Hogan has posted shutouts in each of her three NWSL appearances this season. Together, Berger and Hogan have combined for a league-best 11 clean sheets.
Meredith Speck Could Make Gotham FC Debut
Recent signing Meredith Speck is expected to be included in Gotham’s matchday roster. The 33-year-old midfielder has trained for several days with her new teammates and is likely to begin Friday’s contest on the bench.
Rookie forward Jordynn Dudley has appreciated the advice that Speck has offered.
“In practice so far, I’ve seen a lot of joy with her,” Dudley said on Thursday. “She loves being out there, and she’s always talking and helping me. She’s come up to me, asked me things and asked what I want from her. That’s really cool. I really like how she wants to get on the ball.”
Harris is pleased with the knowledge and enthusiasm that Speck has added to the group.
“She’s really good in and around the group, working with the younger players, being that connector and making sure everyone feels good around training,” Harris explained. “She really cares about the people in the environment. She’s great to be around. She’s energetic, always works hard, always gives 100 percent and really gives everything for the team.”
Speck most recently played in a competitive match for the North Carolina Courage in a 3-2 home victory over Gotham on November 2 of last year that closed out the 2025 NWSL regular season.
Latest Injury Report Ahead of Friday’s Gotham FC and San Diego Wave Match
Gotham FC placed veteran defender Emily Sonnett on the season-ending injury list on Thursday after the United States international underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured patellar tendon in her left knee last week.
Sonnett joins defender Kayla Duran on the SEI list. Duran also suffered a season-ending knee injury back in April.
As reported by South Ward Central on Thursday, midfielder Denise O’Sullivan’s knee injury is not considered serious enough to require surgery.
The Republic of Ireland international suffered a knee injury in training leading up to Gotham’s July 29 road match against Bay FC when she attempted to block a shot. She is expected to be sidelined on a week-to-week basis.
San Diego will be shorthanded by several absences. Trinity Amrstrong (knee – SEI), Dudinha (knee – SEI), DiDi Haracic (lower leg), Cat Macario (heel), Kiki Pickett (ankle) and Gabi Portilho (hip) are all ruled out for the Wave’s visit to Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Friday’s match is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Prime Video will carry the national broadcast.
UPDATE: 7:20 P.M.
Due to a weather delay, the match has been moved at an 8:25 p.m. start.
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