**HARRISON, N.J.** – Gotham FC defeated the Chicago Red Stars, 2-1, on Sunday night behind goals from forward Lynn Williams and midfielder Allie Long. The result halts a four-game winless run by the hosts, while Chicago now sees their losing streak extended to three games. The win puts Gotham in 5 ^th place with 21 points from 13 games, while Chicago is bottom of the league in 12 ^th place with 10 points from the same amount of games played.
The visiting Red Stars were almost off the mark early when defender Bianca St-Georges found herself in behind the defense with an opportunity to test Gotham goalkeeper Abby Smith. A through pass played down the right side of the field slipped St-Georges in, but as she closed in on goal, Smith was off her line and got big to produce a vital save in the end.
Gotham then jumped on attack as an audaciously high effort from Lynn Williams forced Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher into a leaping save to prevent the game’s opening goal just three minutes later. Williams’s ball in almost seemed like a cross, but it’s movement and direction had it careening for the top corner if not for a big intervention from Naeher.
The two sides then traded chances with Chicago failing to capitalize on a relatively open goal after a breakaway through midfield in the 18 ^th minute before Naeher made another set of good saves in the 33 ^rd minute to keep Gotham at bay.
However, Chicago’s efforts to stave off the hosts would only last so long as Williams got her goal in the 45 ^th minute. A long through into the box found Williams completely unmarked near the left edge of the six-yard box. Williams received the throw and only took a touch to turn before she lifted her effort over Naeher and into the back of the net in impressive fashion. The goal was her 7 ^th of the year so far.
Unfortunately, into the second half, a lengthy rain delay came from there as inclement weather descended on the New Jersey area, but the teams did make a return to play after around an hour-long pause.
Then, a few minutes after the restart, Chicago midfielder Cari Roccaro brought her side level as she beat home a cross in from the left side as she made her run through the center of the box and the Red Stars were back even. Good recovery play in the box allowed for what was an initially ended chance to be revived by teammate Sarah Griffiths, and her slide pass into the area is what allowed Roccaro to slam the chance home.
However, Gotham would retake the lead in the 69 ^th minute through an Allie Long free kick as the captain capitalized on a set piece chance from around 25 yards out. Long lifted her effort up and over the wall, and whether the movement on the ball fooled Naeher enough to prevent a save remains to be seen. What is known is that Long’s powerful drive snuck just under the crossbar above Naeher and in as Gotham reestablished its lead.
That position was one that Gotham would hold onto, with Chicago failing to produce what was required for a comeback draw. In the end, the two goals from the hosts would be good enough and it was a much-needed win for Gotham.

Match Highlights

Match Highlights