NJ/NY Gotham FC secured two points in its first match of the NWSL x LigaMX Summer Cup against the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday night at SeatGeek Stadium.
Report by GothamFC.com
The club eventually settled into the match and began to connect in possession. In the 16th minute, Gotham FC’s first true opportunity came from a corner kick. Midfielder Yazmeen Ryan drove a ball towards the box, where forward Katie Stengel rose up and headed the ball. However, the redirection went too high over goal.
Gotham FC goalkeeper Cassie Miller was called into action in the 19th minute, when Chicago forward Penelope Hocking broke through for a one-on-one opportunity. Hocking fired a shot, but Miller made a quick kick save to deny the opportunity.
In the 30th minute, Ryan earned a free kick outside of the box. From about 25 yards out, Ryan stepped up to take the set piece. Ryan bent a shot around Chicago’s wall and on frame, but the shot ricocheted off the post and out of bounds.
Both teams entered the half scoreless. Gotham FC out possessed (64%-36%) and out shot (10-4) Chicago in the first half.
Gotham FC continued to push forward in search of a goal in the second half, but could not find the back of the net. In the 80th minute, Miller was called off her line again. The goalkeeper again rose to the occasion and made a kick save to deny Chicago forward Jenna Bike.
Regulation ended scoreless. Due to the rules for the Summer Cup, the game immediately went into penalties to decide a winner.
Miller made the deciding save on a penalty from Chicago and Gotham FC defender Kristen Edmonds scored the game-winning penalty to secure two points for the club.
Chicago: Mackenzie Wood, Bea Franklin, Sam Staab © (Chardonnay Curran 90+1’) , Hannah Anderson, Maximiliane Rall (Camryn Biegalski 45’), Leilanni Nesbeth (Shea Groom 62’), Taylor Malham, Nádia Gomes (Jameese Joseph 62’), Júlia Bianchi, Jenna Bike, Penelope Hocking (Ally Schlegel 83’)
Gotham FC: Cassie Miller, Bruninha (Mackenzie Pluck 87’), Sam Hiatt, Maitane, Maycee Bell (Mandy Freeman 66’), Nealy Martin, Delanie Sheehan, Yazmeen Ryan, Ella Stevens, McCall Zerboni © (Kristen Edmonds 75’), Katie Stengel
Gotham FC will face the Washington Spirit in the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup at Subaru Park on Sunday, July 28 at 6 p.m. ET (Paramount +).
