Gotham FC is set to compete for a bronze medal in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, facing Moroccan team ASFAR. The third-place match will take place on Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 2:45 p.m. GMT (9:45 a.m. ET). Fans can watch the match live and for free on the CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Lineup Changes for Third-Place Match
This match marks a pivotal moment for several players, including second-year players Kayla Duran, Sofia Cook, and Khyah Harper, who will make significant contributions to the team’s performance.
Key Player Updates
Duran, making her sixth start for Gotham since August, will take on a vital role in the defense. She is joined by experienced players:
- Emily Sonnett
- Mandy Freeman
- Lilly Reale
Freeman is returning to the starting lineup for the first time this season since the NWSL Championship. She holds a remarkable 91 regular-season starts, ranking second in Gotham’s history.
Midfield and Forward Positions
Harper will replace winger Gabi Portilho, making her first start since October. She will team up with:
- Midge Purce
- Jaedyn Shaw
Shaw notably led the team with five shots on goal in the recent semifinal against Corinthians. In the midfield, Cook fills in for Rose Lavelle, who is under concussion protocol. Joining Cook are:
- Jaelin Howell
- Savannah McCaskill
Howell had an impressive season, contributing five goals and assisting in several plays while logging the second-most minutes in club history.
Starting Lineup
| Number | Player |
|---|---|
| 30 | Ann-Katrin Berger (GK) |
| 22 | Mandy Freeman |
| 6 | Emily Sonnett |
| 19 | Kayla Duran |
| 4 | Lilly Reale |
| 7 | Jaelin Howell |
| 13 | Savannah McCaskill |
| 21 | Sofia Cook |
| 23 | Midge Purce |
| 2 | Jaedyn Shaw |
| 34 | Khyah Harper |
Substitutes
The substitutes for this match include goalkeepers and field players:
- Ryan Campbell (GK)
- Shelby Hogan (GK)
- Teagan Wy (GK)
- Bruninha
- Josefine Hasbo
- Sarah Schupansky
- Talia Sommer
- Mak Whitham
- Gabi Portilho
- Andrea Kitahata
- Jess Carter
- Katie Stengel
- Jordynn Dudley
Notably, striker Esther González is on parental leave, while defender Tierna Davidson and midfielder Taryn Torres are out due to injuries.
As Gotham FC prepares for this crucial match, the lineup changes, especially with the inclusion of young talents, aim to secure a strong finish in the tournament. Fans are eager to see how the team performs against ASFAR.
