Gotham FC forward Jaedyn Shaw faces a late fitness test ahead of Saturday’s nationally televised showdown against the rival Washington Spirit.
The 21-year-old was forced to leave United States women’s under-23 training camp earlier this month for what U.S. Soccer described as “precautionary reasons due to a minor injury.”
With Gotham FC’s playoff status secured, it would make sense if the reigning NWSL champions give Shaw all the time needed to fully heal up before the NWSL playoffs begin.
Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós was unable to provide a definitive update during Friday’s press conference.
“I think we’re going to have to wait and see,” Amorós said. “Obviously, she came back from camp and we need to still see she’s doing everything she can to be ready to help the team, but it’s still difficult for me to confirm.”
Shaw leads Gotham with 10 goals and shares the club’s assist lead with left-back Guro Reiten, with each player contributing five assists.
Duran Takes Early Step Toward Return From ACL Injury
In other Gotham news, defender Kayla Duran appeared on the pitch during Friday’s training session.
The 27-year-old is currently on the season-ending injury (SEI) list. Duran suffered an ACL injury in her right knee away to Kansas City on April 4.
Amorós explained that Duran still will need plenty of time to recover from the injury.
“It’s still early, but she’s already starting to step on the pitch,” Amorós said. “She’s step by step going back into it, but we’re still definitely some time away from seeing her back in the team now.”
Amorós ‘Heartbroken and Sad’ Over Bruninha and Dudley’s Season-Ending Injuries
Forward Jordynn Dudley (fractured foot) and defender Bruninha (right knee) recently joined Duran (right knee) and defender Emily Sonnett (ruptured patellar tendon) on the SEI list.
“We don’t look for excuses,” Amorós said. “We look for solutions and that’s why we make sure every player is ready to do the job. I think it’s obviously heartbreaking, losing Bru in the camp and obviously the news that finally Jordynn is also going to be missing the rest of the year.
“We are sad and we are obviously disappointed that it happened, but it’s not something we can control or they can control. We can support them the best way we can, but at this point, it’s about making sure everyone is ready.”
Saturday’s match at Audi Field is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast on CBS.
A Gotham victory combined with a North Carolina Courage win over San Diego Wave FC would clinch the NWSL Shield for the Bats.
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