Credit Brandon Koodish
By Amelia Hirtle
The Red Stars traveled to a humid Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey to face Gotham FC on Sunday, July 25. Chicago was coming off a 3-game unbeaten stretch and was looking to continue their success.
Gotham FC was off to the races and had 2 shots within the first 8 minutes of the match. However, the game started to play in Chicago’s favor after that. In the 12th minute, Chicago’s starting front line was able to connect to Kealia Watt, but her shot was saved by the Gotham keeper. In the 39th minute, Chicago midfielder Morgan Gautrat sent a pass to Rachel Hill, but her shot went wide.
In the 40th minute, Kayla Sharples made a goal-saving tackle on Midge Purce in the box. Shortly after, defender Tatumn Milazzo had to leave the match. It is unclear whether it was due to injury or illness. Shortly after that, Gotham FC was able to take advantage of Chicago playing down a player. Caprice Dydasco sent a ball into Allie Long who tapped it in over the head of Cassie Miller during first-half stoppage time. Gotham held a 1-0 lead going into the half.
Chicago made 3 substitutions to start the second half. There was lots of action as the high press was working in their favor and causing turnovers for Gotham FC. However, the match took a turn when Bianca St. Georges was given a red card for a tackle made on Midge Purce. Purce converted on the penalty kick to extend the Gotham lead to 2 goals. The Red Stars forward Makenzy Doniak was able to provide Chicago with a late goal as she spun her defender and put the ball in the net.
The Red Stars will need to re-group as they head home to face the Washington Spirit on Sunday August 1st at 5:00 PM CT.