The 2025 NWSL regular season continues, with a highly anticipated match between playoff contenders Washington Spirit and Gotham FC taking place this Saturday at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. This is the first time these two teams, both considered strong contenders for the 2025 playoffs, will meet this year. Both squads are dealing with injuries to key players. Gotham FC, led by head coach Juan Carlos Amoros, is playing on short rest after a midweek loss. In contrast, Spirit manager Jonatan Giraldez`s side is coming off a victory in week five against the 2024 NWSL champions, Orlando Pride.
Where is Trinity Rodman?
Recent reports indicate that Trinity Rodman is currently away from the team, focusing on managing a back injury with the support of club and U.S. Soccer medical personnel. The 22-year-old has experienced recurring back issues since her first professional season. The latest setback has unfortunately ruled her out for the remainder of the 2025 season. Rodman`s difficulties with her back were apparent during the latter part of the 2024 season, including playing through pain in the 2024 NWSL Championship match.
After that game, Rodman commented on her condition, stating, “I`m not hiding the fact that my back is not feeling great, but I decided to stay in the game… I wasn`t the Trin that I wanted to be today, so that`s a bummer.”
Following the 2024 season, the U.S. Women`s National Team forward was given time off to rest and recover, only returning to USWNT consideration in April 2025. She began the 2025 NWSL season coming off the bench for the Spirit to build up her fitness before the April international window. Her most recent appearances were 45 minutes as a substitute for the Spirit and 60 minutes for the USWNT against Brazil.
Ahead of Saturday`s match, Spirit coach Jonatan Giraldez confirmed that there is currently no specific timeline for Rodman`s return to play this season as she continues her treatment with medical specialists.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Saturday, April 25
- Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
- TV: CBS
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Spirit +155; Draw +230; Gotham +175
Last Meeting
The most recent encounter between these teams was in the 2024 NWSL postseason semifinals, held at Audi Field. It was a highly competitive match that finished 1-1 after extra time and was ultimately decided by penalty kicks, with the Washington Spirit emerging victorious.
Gotham FC Perspective
Gotham FC is also navigating player injuries early in the season. With a demanding three-game road stretch concluding in Washington, D.C., the coaching staff is prioritizing player rotation to manage the heavy schedule. Following their midweek game, coach Juan Carlos Amoros emphasized the club`s focus on player well-being: “the priority is the health and safety of the players, and we work really closely with our medical team, with our high-performance team, to make sure that the players are ready to compete and to play… sometimes it`s the position we are in, something that we cannot really control, so we just try to adapt.”
Washington Spirit Perspective
The Washington Spirit began the 2025 season aware they would be missing important players, including midfielder Andi Sullivan (ACL injury from Oct 2024) and midfielder Croix Bethune (returned from torn meniscus but with limited minutes so far). These absences have required other players to take on increased roles. Spirit coach Jonatan Giraldez views this as a chance for growth, stating before the game, “It creates, for me, a big impact, a huge impact, because when you perform and when you win games, it doesn`t matter who is playing… That`s the most beautiful thing… to try to be as competitive as possible. It doesn`t matter who is playing.” He added, “In the bad moments, we have to be there together, and we are showing a huge character as a team, and I am very happy for that.”
Predicted Lineups
Washington Spirit:
- Aubrey Kingsbury
- Esme Morgan
- Tara McKeown
- Rebeca Bernal
- Gabby Carle
- Narumi Miura
- Leicy Santos
- Heather Stainbrook
- Makenna Morris
Gotham FC:
- Ann Katrin Berger
- Lilly Reale
- Emily Sonnett
- Jess Carter
- Brunihna
- Neely Martin
- Jaelin Howell
- Sarah Schupansky
- Taryn Torres
- Gabi Portilho
- Esther Gonzalez
Match Prediction
Given the number of injuries and the need for player management on both squads, this match is likely to be a closely fought and potentially cautious affair. While questions remain about Gotham`s defense, both teams possess enough attacking talent to find the back of the net.
Prediction: Washington Spirit 1, Gotham FC 1.
Latest NWSL News
- Washington Spirit remains strong in CBS Sports NWSL power rankings, highlighted by performances from Bernal, Monday, Kingsbury.
- NWSL Team of the Week: Discover the Best XI selections for week five.
- NWSL has submitted an application for a Division II league.
Dominic Ashworth