Gotham FC vs San Diego Wave preview: Possible tension on the 4th of July | OneFootball

When NJ/NY Gotham FC last faced San Diego Wave FC, they won their first road match against the California side.  It was an accomplishment that the Bats could be proud of. For some reason, San Diego had been the thorn in their side, where success was an empty word.

Hence, the ladies want to win their second in a row against the Wave, which would also be the second in a row in San Diego.  Moreover, Gotham FC wants to continue their current NWSL unbeaten run, which stands at six games.  It is seven matches if one includes the NWSL Challenge Cup win from last weekend in Columbus.  But it will be a challenge, for the home side is in first place in the standings.  Plus, there might be some tension during this Independence Day battle.

No, it has nothing to do with the country’s 250th birthday.  Rather, Emily Sonnett unintentionally hurt the Wave’s Dudinha during the last international window during a USWNT-Brazil friendly.  US fans know that there was no malice, but for San Diego fans, they might still be upset because the ACL tear happened because of Sonnett.  No matter who attends the match, for there might be fewer supporters due to the holiday, they might make life difficult for the Bats.

Ideally, the focus will be on the game, and each side will give their best on the pitch.  Here is a preview of Gotham FC’s first regular-season game back from the June break against San Diego.

Gotham FC vs San Diego Wave preview

Date

The game between Gotham FC and the San Diego Wave will take place on Independence Day: Saturday, July 4.

Time

The fixture will begin at 8:45 PM ET, or 5:45 PM local time.

Location

The match is at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.

How to watch

Fans can catch the battle on Ion.

Weather

The Bats are lucky to be away from home this time around, for they will not have to deal with the heat dome that the New York-New Jersey area is dealing with.  It will be about 73 degrees in San Diego when the game starts.  Skies will be partly cloudy, with barely a chance of rain.  It will be humid, for the humidity will hover above 65%.  Winds will range between 6 mph and 11 mph.

Injury report

The injury report is beautiful, for only those with the SEI tag are out due to injury: Kayla Duran (knee - SEI) and Taryn Torres (knee - SEI).  Additionally, Mak Whitham is out on international duty.

Players to watch

The easy answer is that Gotham fans should watch Sonnett.  Seeing how she is treated by the local supporters is already something to watch, and maybe San Diego players will want to make her life miserable just for sporting purposes.  It is vital that the defender does not allow anything to get to her, and that she just plays her usual game.  Moreover, it will be interesting to see how she does in the backline and whether she can help limit any damage.

Supporters should also watch Ludmila.  She might be desperate to find a goal to defend her injured Brazilian teammate.  At the same time, she and other attackers will need to step up in the final third in Dudinha’s absence.  She only has one goal and will need to score more to help keep her team in the race for the NWSL Shield.

Prediction

The Wave can easily beat the Bats since they are at home, and the roster is one of the best in the NWSL.  But if the NJ/NY side limits the mistakes, then they could get something out of their time in San Diego.  That is why it is predicted that Gotham FC will secure a 1-1 draw.