Match Recap: Gotham FC defeats Chicago Red Stars in Penalties in first match of NWSL x LigaMX Summer Cup

Goalkeeper Cassie Miller made crucial save in penalties, while defender Kristen Edmonds scored the game-winning penalty

CHICAGO – NJ/NY Gotham FC secured two points in its first match of the NWSL x LigaMX Summer Cup against the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday night at SeatGeek Stadium. 

The club eventually settled into the match and began to connect in possession. In the 16th minute, Gotham FC’s first true opportunity came from a corner kick. Midfielder Yazmeen Ryan drove a ball towards the box, where forward Katie Stengel rose up and headed the ball. However, the redirection went too high over goal. 

Gotham FC goalkeeper Cassie Miller was called into action in the 19th minute, when Chicago forward Penelope Hocking broke through for a one-on-one opportunity. Hocking fired a shot, but Miller made a quick kick save to deny the opportunity. 

In the 30th minute, Ryan earned a free kick outside of the box. From about 25 yards out, Ryan stepped up to take the set piece. Ryan bent a shot around Chicago’s wall and on frame, but the shot ricocheted off the post and out of bounds. 

Both teams entered the half scoreless. Gotham FC out possessed (64%-36%) and out shot (10-4) Chicago in the first half. 

Gotham FC continued to push forward in search of a goal in the second half, but could not find the back of the net. In the 80th minute, Miller was called off her line again. The goalkeeper again rose to the occasion and made a kick save to deny Chicago forward Jenna Bike. 

Regulation ended scoreless. Due to the rules for the Summer Cup, the game immediately went into penalties to decide a winner. 

Miller made the deciding save on a penalty from Chicago and Gotham FC defender Kristen Edmonds scored the game-winning penalty to secure two points for the club. 

Next, Gotham FC will face the Washington Spirit in the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup at Subaru Park on Sunday, July 28 at 6 p.m. ET (Paramount +).  

Key Match Notes

• Gotham FC improved to 2-1 all-time in penalty-kick shootouts (won 2020 Challenge Cup quarterfinal against Washington, lost 2021 Challenge Cup final against Portland).
• Defender Kristen Edmonds made her first appearance since the NWSL semifinal on November 5, 2023 and converted the winning penalty kick.
• Mandy Freeman went over 8,000 career minutes in all competitions, the fourth player to do so with the club, and currently has 8,022.
• Midfielder Mackenzie Pluck made her Gotham FC debut as a substitute.
• Midfielder Yazmeen Ryan took a game-high six shots and also put away a penalty kick in the first round of the shootout.
• Midfielder Delanie Sheehan won possession a team-high nine times and made her third-round penalty kick.
• Forward Katie Stengel completed a game-high four dribbles and scored her fourth-round-penalty kick.
• Forward Ella Stevens converted a second-round penalty kick in the shootout against her former club.
• Midfielder McCall Zerboni made her first start since August 19, 2023.

MATCH SUMMARY
Chicago Red Stars vs. Gotham FC
July 20, 2024 – SeatGeek Stadium

Goals by Half               1      2      F
Chicago                         0      0      0
Gotham FC                    0      0     0 

Misconduct Summary:
CHI: YC: Sam Staab 29′
GFC: YC: Nealy Martin 26′

Lineups:
CHI: Mackenzie Wood, Bea Franklin, Sam Staab © (Chardonnay Curran 90+1′) , Hannah Anderson, Maximiliane Rall (Camryn Biegalski 45′), Leilanni Nesbeth (Shea Groom 62′), Taylor Malham, Nádia Gomes (Jameese Joseph 62′), Júlia Bianchi, Jenna Bike, Penelope Hocking (Ally Schlegel 83′)

GFC: Cassie Miller, Bruninha (Mackenzie Pluck 87′), Sam Hiatt, Maitane, Maycee Bell (Mandy Freeman 66′), Nealy Martin, Delanie Sheehan, Yazmeen Ryan, Ella Stevens, McCall Zerboni © (Kristen Edmonds 75′), Katie Stengel