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NWSL news: Sophia Smith runs riot, Gotham FC get back on track

By Caden Charpentier

Jun 23, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith (9) dribbles the ball in the first half against the Washington Spirit at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith (9) dribbles the ball in the first half against the Washington Spirit at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 25: Lynn Williams #10 of NJ/NY Gotham FC gives instruction to teammate in the first half of the National Women’s Soccer League Match against the Chicago Red Stars at Red Bull Arena on June 25, 2023 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Ira L. Black – Corbis/Getty Images)
HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 25: Lynn Williams #10 of NJ/NY Gotham FC gives instruction to teammate in the first half of the National Women’s Soccer League Match against the Chicago Red Stars at Red Bull Arena on June 25, 2023 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Ira L. Black – Corbis/Getty Images) /

NWSL news: NJ/NY Gotham FC secure first triumph after going winless in previous four

There are almost two guarantees whenever NJ/NY Gotham FC play at Red Bull Arena. A Lynn Williams goal, and a lightning delay. Both happened against the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday evening. Juan Carlos Amoros’ team has struggled recently in the league after making a statement against OL Reign at Lumen Field.

Gotham had failed to find the back of the net in two out of the three fixtures across all competitions heading into week 13. It was essential that Amoros’ team took care of business in the last match before players like Williams, and Kristie Mewis head off to the World Cup.

For the second time so far this season, the New Jersey side defeated the reeling Red Stars by a score of 2 to 1. Chicago challenged a talented squad on the road in the first 45 minutes, creating a few chances while maintaining some possession.

If it was not for Abby Smith coming off of her line in the 4′, the Red Stars would have headed into the dressing room up a goal. Considering the fact that they conceded 12 goals in the last three games combined, Chris Petrucelli’s team had to have been confident after the first half. All that changed almost immediately when the whistle blew for the start of the second half.

Just one minute after halftime, the USWMT winger showed why she was picked among the forwards to represent the stars and stripes this summer. From a throw-in, the entire Red Stars defense played spectator as they watched Williams control the ball in the box, and volley it with her left foot and into the back of the net. Off of a turnover by Nealy Martin, Chicago capitalized to even the score line just minutes after play resumed following the lightning delay. A brilliant cross into the danger area by Sarah Griffith set Cari Roccaro up to smash the equalizer into the back of the net.

Allie Long’s perfectly placed free kick would be the difference maker for Gotham as Griffith created the opportunity just outside the box. It was exactly two years to the day that Long scored an NWSL goal against the same opponent in the same competition. The veteran midfielder delivered when her side needed her to deliver, continuing her run of only scoring goals against Chicago while in a Gotham kit. The New Jersey side now sit on 21 points in fifth position, two points behind Washington, OL Reign, and North Carolina. For the Red Stars, only gets worse heading into July with two matches before the break against top-seven teams.

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