by Denise Duffy & Jonathon Hagger (22/6/23)
Above: Chicago Red Stars will be all out to come together to defeat Gotham FC this weekend. Photo: IMAGN.
Whether you like your pizza crust thick or thin, there is quality on both sides of the line in this matchup.
Gotham FC and Chicago have their first re-match of the season when they face off in New Jersey’s charcoal oven on Sunday evening. Both teams come into the match in different form with Gotham FC backing up from a couple of disappointing results. The Chicago Red Stars have played with a lot of heart but often have not had the final result to go their way.
Following their recent two-match results of a hard-fought draw and a disappointing loss, Gotham FC have slipped further down the NWSL standings table and now sit five points adrift of the top. The Red Stars are having a less-than-spectacular season and are fighting to keep ahead of the last-placed Kansas City Current. Chicago enters into this match after an action-packed see-saw match against the Portland Thorns who only just managed to keep the Red Stars at bay.
Team comparisons – The Good and Bad
The absence of Ali Krieger in the backline last week proved costly for Gotham who were unable to capitalise on their dominance in possession. As the high-calibre subs came in, there were plenty of opportunities to claw themselves back into the match, but their inability to convert goal-scoring opportunities cost them dearly.
On the other side of the pitch, the Chicago Red Stars will be missing their key leadership. The defensive rock of the Red Stars back line, Arin Wright will be unavailable this week. The younger players in the team, such as forward Ava Cook and now seasoned midfielder Cari Roccaro, will need to step up and take command.
Near misses to the USWNT Roster Casey Kruger and Tierna Davidson will have to pick themselves up and focus on Gotham FC and the rest of the NWSL schedule. While the Chicago Red Stars are a team depleted in player quantity due to injury, that doesn’t mean the remaining roster can’t compete in this league. Chicago has a talented squad.
On the positive side of the ledger, the decision by Lynn Williams to extend her contract has been well received by everyone in New Jersey/New York.
“Lynn Williams is an incredibly talented player who has been a key contributor to the overall success of the team this season,” said Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amoros. She plays any role that is needed at the time, whether that means scoring goals, tracking back on defence, or being a positive voice in the locker room. She represents the values that we have as a club, and is an example for our younger players.”
The key to winning – it’s all about heart
The key to winning this match will be all about which team plays with their whole heart. Both teams know who they are, they understand how they play and the tactics their coaches want to see employed. The next step is connecting the intellect with the passion.
Lynn Williams – Forward. Having been called up to the USNWT, WIlliams is in incredible form. Williams is as busy on the attack as she is providing defensive cover – shutting down counter attacks all across the park.
Yazmeen Ryan – Midfield. With Midge Purce still unavailable for Gotham, Ryan has been called upon to step up into an attacking role. The single assist Ryan has recorded this season does not reflect the opportunities she makes for other players to play at their best. Ryan has a knack of positioning herself physically in dangerous positions and if she can unlock her sharpshooting skills then goals will come.
Bruninha – Defender. A breakout player who gives 100% of herself in every match. Playing at right back Bruninha has been given free reign to be aggressive across all areas of the pitch, which unleashes her creativity. Her versatility as a player compliments her teammates who also play multi functional roles.
The Chicago roster boasts a number of highly talented young forwards who we think you should be aware of –
Penelope Hocking – Forward/Midfield. Graduate of Penn State and Chicago’s top draft pick. Having a three-year contract means she has time to develop into the star forward they want her to be. Sister Iliana was drafted by the Gotham FC in the 4th round but was unfortunately waived.
Allyson Schlegel – Forward/Midfield. In her NWSL rookie season, Schlegel has been used as a substitute so far this season however with two goals and one assist to her credit, she is a threat to be aware of.
Ava Cook – Forward. Having started 11 matches out of 12 played, Cook has been a bright light in the Red Stars offence. She plays heads-up soccer, looking for options, and is unselfish with the ball. Cooks recently scored the two winning goals against Angel City.
What to expect in this match from the Bats
Gotham FC will be searching to reboot their season and will likely start their match at full-blast power. Chicago will be carrying forward their red-hot energy they finished with in their last match. The old saying the first team to score will go on to win will play out in this match-up. There is no reason why Chicago can’t topple Gotham if they can gain the early advantage.
The edge
Keeper – Abby Smith vs Alyssa Naeher. Just like the Red Stars, Naeher is having a below-average season for a player of her quality. The goalkeeper is only as good as the ten players in front of them and sadly Naeher has not had the support she needs. Smith on the other hand has stepped up into the number one keeper role following the injury to Michelle Betos. Smith will be hurting after giving away two goals in her last start and she will be trying very hard to not be scored on again.
Backlines – Chicago needs to up their confidence in this area. Gotham is in a similar boat. With the drift down the table, it’s the midfield that needs to make their stamp on this match. Gotham has many players to call on. The starting lineup will be important.
Front Line / Midfield – Ella Stevens versus Yazmeen Ryan. Ryan has yet to achieve scoring a goal this season which is very strange for an attacking player of her ability. Stevens on the other hand has scored 3 goals across her 12 matches. Both players will be looking to increase their tally in different ways – Ryan will seek to utilise her dynamic movement whereas Stevens will bring her sharpshooter skills.
Coaching – The duo of Chris Petrucelli and for NWSLer Ella Masar is an interesting one. Can they ignite a team that is struggling for wins? Juan Carlos Amorós has brought this team back from last year’s basement. We feel he has a good handle on this squad, though he will have to bring out the big dogs at the start of the match to stay on top of an ever-swaying NWSL game of momentum.
Front and Back Office – Gotham is building a brand for the future. As mentioned before they have the right people in the right places. The Red Stars are still settling in with their ownership group and direction of the club.
Fans, Stadium and Social Media – Gotham FC playing at home with the announcement this week that Lynn Williams has extended her contract will have everyone fired up and raring to go. The fans especially will be willing their team back to their winning ways.
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