Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey
Gotham FC sits atop the NWSL table and is firmly in the hunt for the NWSL Shield, holding a multi-point lead with strong form. Chicago Stars are last in the standings with a difficult season, already eliminated from playoff contention. This is the second meeting of 2026 (Gotham won the first 2-0 in April). The match carries a “Celebración de la Comunidad” theme celebrating Latinx culture.
Venue and Weather
Sports Illustrated Stadium (formerly known in some contexts as Red Bull Arena area) is Gotham’s home venue. Forecast for Friday in the Harrison/Newark area: mostly cloudy, high near 69–71°F (around 21°C), low around 54–60°F. North/northeast winds 15–20 mph with higher gusts possible; chance of light rain later in the evening. Breezy conditions that could influence play.
Current Rosters and Key Players
NJ/NY Gotham FC:
Strong attacking and midfield presence with Jaedyn Shaw (goals and assists leader), Jordynn Dudley (recent impact scorer), Esther González, Rose Lavelle (when available), Guro Reiten, and Tierna Davidson anchoring defense. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger has been reliable. The side leads the league in several possession and defensive metrics (fewest goals conceded, high clean sheets).
Chicago Stars FC:
Limited offensive output with Jordyn Huitema among the top scorers (when available). Contributors include Nádia Gomes, Julia Grosso (chances created), and defensive efforts from Sam Staab. Goalkeeping has rotated (e.g., K. Atkinson). The team ranks last or near-last in goals scored, goals conceded, shots, and possession.
Injury Reports
Gotham FC:
Season-ending: Kayla Duran (knee – SEI), Emily Sonnett (knee – SEI / ruptured patellar tendon).
Other: Sofia Cook (lower leg), Rose Lavelle (head – questionable in some reports). Core group largely intact for the top of the table.
Chicago Stars FC:
Out / SEI: Jordyn Huitema (knee – SEI), Natalia Kuikka (knee – SEI), Ryan Connaughton (knee), Mallory Swanson (hip/lower leg in reports).
Additional absences have limited depth throughout the season. International duty notes for some younger players.
Recent Team FormsGotham FC: Excellent overall (15-4-6). Recent wins include 2-1 at North Carolina Courage and 2-1 at Racing Louisville. Strong home record and defensive solidity (league-best goals against). Unbeaten in stretches and consistently collecting points while chasing the Shield.
Chicago Stars: Struggling (5-18-2). Recent results include a 0-3 home loss to Washington Spirit and a heavy 0-6 defeat earlier. Very few wins since the midseason break; poor away form and significant goal differential issues (-43).
Series History
Historical regular-season record is relatively competitive (Chicago listed around 10-8-12 in one tally; overall series more mixed depending on era). Gotham has had recent success, including the 2-0 win in April 2026. Games have varied from tight draws to decisive results; Gotham has kept clean sheets in some recent meetings.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Jaedyn Shaw / Jordynn Dudley (Gotham attack) vs. Chicago defense: Shaw’s creativity and finishing against a unit that concedes heavily and ranks last in many defensive categories.
Chicago attack (Gomes / remaining forwards) vs. Gotham midfield/defense: Limited Stars scoring threats face a possession-dominant, clean-sheet-oriented Gotham side led by Davidson and company.
Midfield control: Gotham’s high possession and field tilt vs. Chicago’s lower output.
Goalkeeping: Berger’s experience and save numbers vs. Chicago’s rotating options.
Set pieces and transitions favor Gotham given their overall quality and Chicago’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Betting Trends
Top-table home favorites dominate against bottom sides. Gotham wins frequently at home and covers large spreads against weaker opponents. Unders can be viable given Gotham’s defensive strength, though Chicago’s leaky defense supports overs in some models.
MATCH ODDS
Chicago Stars + 1100
NJ/NY Gotham FC – 1000
Draw + 800
Over 3.5 – 115 Under 3.5 – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, September 24, 2026
