Gotham FC vs Chicago Red Stars preview: Perfect defense and goals, please

  • Gotham FC and the Chicago Red Stars will play one another this weekend
  • The Bats are looking to continue their unbeaten streak
  • Here is a preview of the match
Lynn Williams of Gotham FC
Lynn Williams of Gotham FC | Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

NJ/NY Gotham FC is undefeated over their last four games with two wins and a draw.  Recently, they earned their first-ever point against the San Diego Wave, finally breaking the losing streak against the California side.  As such, the ladies will hope a return home will continue the run, but also lead to another win.

It will be challenging, for Gotham FC will welcome the Chicago Red Stars to Red Bull Arena.  The fifth-place team has five wins to their name and scored 14 goals compared to the Bats’ six.  They have to find a way to score more goals while also maintaining their incredible defense.

Last season, Gotham won both NWSL games against the Red Stars.  Based on the rosters this year, they should be able to do the same.  But this is the beautiful game; anything can happen.

Will Gotham FC score more than one goal?  Here is a preview of the game against Chicago.

Date

Gotham FC and the Chicago Red Stars will play one another on Sunday, May 19.

Time

The fixture is at 5:00 PM ET.

Location

The game is at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ.

How to watch

Fans can watch the game on MSGSN or NWSL+.

Weather

Gotham and Chicago will thankfully not have to play in bad weather.  It should be mostly cloudy and around 73 degrees when the match starts.  Rain is highly unlikely.

Injury report

Midge Purce (knee) is out for the year.  Abby Smith (lower leg), Taylor Smith (thigh), and McCall Zerboni (knee) are on the season-ending injury list at this time.

Sinead Farrelly (excused absence), Svava Guðmundsdóttir (excused absence), Kelley O'Hara (knee), and Katie Stengel (thigh) are out for Sunday. Tierna Davidson (thigh) is questionable.

Players to watch

Gotham FC fans should watch Ann Katrin-Berger.  The goalkeeper has been superb since she joined the Bats.  She has a few clean sheets and makes incredible saves.  Her performance during the San Diego game truly illuminated why she was brought over.  Cassie Miller is a good goalkeeper, but Berger is certainly a level higher.  That is why everyone should see whether she can stop the talented attackers on the Red Stars.

On Chicago, fans should watch Ally Schlegel.  The forward has four goals in nine games and is a major threat regardless of where she is on the pitch.  Her aggression on the ball makes her a formidable threat, especially in or near the box.

Prediction

This has to be the day Gotham FC scores more than one goal.  Berger's goalkeeping makes a clean sheet possible. Hence, the prediction is that the Bats will win 2-0.