Shaun Harris will take charge on the sidelines as Gotham FC’s acting head coach for Saturday’s nationally-televised match with the Kansas City Current.

With head coach Juan Carlos Amorós temporarily away from the club while he awaits the birth of his second child, it will be up to Harris to get the Bats on the right track after they were shut out in three consecutive matches.

A spirited rematch of last year’s epic playoff quarterfinal against the Current could spark Gotham back to their typical goal-getting ways. The match will kick off at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on CBS.

Schupansky Highlights Harris’ Technical Expertise

Midfielder Sarah Schupansky believes that Gotham is in skilled hands with Harris leading the team into CPKC Stadium.

“Our entire technical staff is beyond capable of taking the reins when need be,” Schupansky said during Friday’s pre-match press conference. “Shaun especially – he shows up every single day wanting us to get better, wanting to help us in the ways that we need. He’s very communicative in that regard.”

Harris will often train with Gotham to make up the numbers and communicate useful observations and suggestions to players.

“[Shaun] is very focused on the technical side of things,” Schupansky explained. “When we’re going through film and evaluating what we can do better, he’s the one you go to when you know that the idea was there, but the execution might not have come off. He’s so knowledgeable in that regard. He knows exactly what foot you should play to, what kind of touch you should have taken. So every time I have a question that involves that type of thing, I’m going to Shaun.”

Harris Prepares Gotham FC for Kansas City Clash

Harris took part in Friday’s media availability and outlined the challenge of coming away with three points against the Current, who captured last season’s NWSL Shield with a record 65 points.

“We’ve been focusing on the small details to be more threatening in front of goal and create more chances,” he said. “That’s been a big focus. Kansas City is a strong team. They had a really good run last year.

“In transition, they’re very good — they can move the ball from one end to the other quickly. We’ve looked at ways to prevent that. They have dangerous players, especially in wide areas, and they like to get crosses into the box. We need to be ready to defend those and try to keep the ball as much as possible to minimize those threats.”

Jaedyn Shaw Available For Selection

Crucially, key attacker Jaedyn Shaw was removed from the NWSL’s Availability Report and will be available for selection. The 21-year-old missed the past three matches due to a hamstring injury.

Shaw scored in the 68th minute in last year’s memorable playoff meeting at CPKC Stadium. Teammate Katie Lampson won the match in sensational fashion by scoring in the 121st minute.

It’s possible that Saturday’s renewal of the Gotham-Current rivalry will bring out the drama and fireworks once again.

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