The 2025 NWSL season is well underway, featuring a rematch of last year`s playoff rivals this Saturday on CBS. Washington Spirit is set to host Gotham FC at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. Both squads are currently navigating injuries to key players leading up to the game. This marks their first contest of the new year, with both teams considered strong contenders for the 2025 playoffs.

Gotham FC, managed by Juan Carlos Amoros, is on a tight schedule following a midweek defeat on the road against Portland Thorns FC. Meanwhile, Spirit coach Jonatan Giraldez`s side is coming off a victory in Week 5 against the 2024 NWSL champions, Orlando Pride.

Where is Trinity Rodman?

Reports recently emerged that Rodman is currently away from the team to manage a back injury. She is working closely with medical staff from both the club and U.S. Soccer during her recovery period.

The 22-year-old forward has experienced recurring back issues since her debut season. This latest flare-up has kept her sidelined during the 2025 season. Rodman`s struggles with pain were noticeable during the latter part of the 2024 playoff run, and the dynamic attacker even played through discomfort in the 2024 NWSL Championship match.

“I`m not hiding the fact that my back is not feeling great, but I decided to stay in the game,” Rodman commented to the media after the 2024 NWSL Championship. “I could have pulled myself out, so that`s not an excuse. I wasn`t the Trin that I wanted to be today, so that`s a bummer.”

The U.S. women`s national team winger spent the remainder of 2024 focusing on rest and recovery and did not participate in USWNT camps until April 2025. She began the current NWSL season coming off the bench for the Spirit to gradually build her minutes before the April international window. Her most recent appearance for the Spirit was a 45-minute stint as a substitute against Louisville. She also played 60 minutes for the USWNT against Brazil.

Spirit head coach Giraldez confirmed ahead of Saturday`s match that there is currently no set date for Rodman`s return this season as she continues treatment with specialists.

Here are details on how to watch the match and betting odds:

How to Watch and Odds

  • Date: Sat. April 25 | Time: 1 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 confrontation between these two sides occurred in the 2024 NWSL postseason semifinals. Gotham was considered somewhat of an underdog against the second-place Spirit, who were contenders for the league shield alongside Orlando. The semifinal match took place at Audi Field and attracted a record playoff crowd. The intense game finished tied 1-1 after extra time and was decided by a penalty shootout, with the Spirit ultimately securing the victory.

What Gotham FC Are Saying

Gotham has been managing several player injuries early in the season, and with this match being the end of a three-game road stretch, the coaching staff is prioritizing player rotation. Coach Amoros emphasized that the health and safety of the players are the top priority, stating they work closely with their medical and high-performance teams to ensure readiness. He noted this is standard practice and they adapt to uncontrollable situations.

What the Spirit Are Saying

The Spirit anticipated being without some key players to start the 2025 season. Midfielder Andi Sullivan suffered an ACL injury in October 2024, and midfielder Croix Bethune returned from a torn meniscus for 2025 but has seen limited minutes. Coach Giraldez views these challenges as an opportunity. He noted the significant positive impact on the team`s environment and culture when they can perform and win games regardless of who is playing. He added that it`s easy in good times, but the team must stick together in difficult moments, showing great character.

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

Prediction

Given the numerous injuries and the need to manage minutes for players on both sides, this match could again be a closely contested, perhaps cautious affair. While there may still be defensive questions for Gotham, both teams possess sufficient attacking talent to likely find the back of the net. Predicted Score: Spirit 1, Gotham 1 (Draw).

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