3 things we learned from Gotham FC's historic 2-1 win over the Chicago Red Stars

NJ/NY Gotham FC returned home on Sunday to welcome Mallory Swanson and the Chicago Red Stars for another NWSL showdown in Harrison, New Jersey. The Bats entered the match in hot form, entering the game undefeated in the last four matches. That has not been the same for Chicago, who have lost two of their last four games.  

With Lynn Williams in top form, Gotham FC has been able to turn it around and climb up the table after a slow start. The weather turned out to be perfect soccer weather after the tri-state area experienced nothing but rain during the last few days. There was also a great showing of fans to see some of their favorite USWNT players battle out. However, Chicago's keeper and NWSL legend Alyssa Naeher was out with a thigh injury.   

Gotham gave their supporters a great match to send them home with a win. Williams was back on the scoresheet, which was a historic night for her.   

With a few things to discuss, here are three things we learned from the 2-1 win against Chi-Town.   

3 things we learned from the 2-1 win over Chicago 

1. Lynn Williams is the all-time NWSL scoring queen

With a goal Saturday, Williams scored her 79th career NWSL goal, which surpassed Sam Kerr for the all-time lead. She stands alone in first and has the potential to score a lot more, with her 31st birthday on Tuesday.

Williams has played most of her professional career in the league since 2015. Following the match, the new record-holder had some time to reflect on her achievement She told gothamfc.com the following:

"I think that when you’re in it, you don’t really get to reflect," said Williams looking back on the achievement. "It is moments like this that I really cherish and value. I haven't had a moment to debrief, but I’m sure I will go home and sit with (fiancé) Marley (Biyendolo) and just think about all ten years. Hopefully that is not my last goal. I’m not done yet. It is just a moment in my career that I get to reflect, and then we keep moving forward."

2. Jenna Nighswonger is still very good at soccer 

Next to Williams, Jenna Nighswonger was one of the Players of the Match candidates after an upstanding performance. She produced over 15 passes into the attacking third, while making nine recoveries, winning six duels, and creating three chances. She started most of the counter-attacking plays for Gotham FC, acting as a second outside midfield.   

Nighswonger continues to do it all, dominating the attack while shutting players down in the box. Her stellar performance has led her to start eight times in nine matches, already totaling two assists in over 750 minutes of play. 

3.  It is still an upward battle for Gotham FC

Despite a good run of games, Gotham FC continues to remain midtable. With all the talent in the NWSL plus two more teams this year, it will make it harder than ever to climb up the table. As of now, both the Orlando Pride and Portland Thorns FC have been the hottest teams five wins in their last five matches.   

The Kansas City Current is also undefeated in their last five, while the Washington Spirit won three of their last five. Gotham’s next opponent is Bay FC, who had snapped their five-game losing streak with the win over San Diego Wave FC.   

With June just around the corner, the Bats must keep up their form to catch up with the other top teams. Gotham FC will face only one top-six team, while having four home matches in six games, giving them a huge advantage for the next few weeks.