The GIST: Still missing the FIFA men’s World Cup? We have the perfect mid-week pick-me-up: The second half of the NWSL season is almost here and while teams like the Washington Spirit and Utah Royals are rising to the top, there’s still plenty of footy to play before the eight-team playoff field is finalized this fall. Here’s the latest moves and matches from the pitch.
😞 High-scoring forward Esther González leaves Gotham FC: The Batties’ all-time top scorer abruptly left the team under mutual contract termination earlier this week to attend to personal matters back home in Spain. González already registered six goals this season and was integral to Gotham’s 2023 and 2025 championships. Wishing her well.
📺 Looking ahead, ailing Gotham is one of six teams in action tonight:
- 🏇 Racing Louisville vs. 💧 Kansas City Current — 8 p.m. ET: Louisville just earned their first win in six games. Will they find another W against the Temwa Chawinga–less Current as she makes history for Malawi at the Women’s AFCON tournament?
- 🎆 Washington Spirit vs. 👑 Utah Royals — 9 p.m. ET: Forward Trinity Rodman’s NWSL–leading Spirit have five wins in their last six games, but revamped Utah is on the rise. This is going to be good.
- 🗽 Gotham FC vs. ☔ Bay FC — 10 p.m. ET: Time will tell how impressive Gotham can continue to be without González and veteran Emily Sonnett, who suffered a serious knee injury in their last game. Lucky for them, newest Battie Sam Kerr is already back to her NWSL scoring ways — and Bay FC’s shaky defense shouldn’t pose a problem.