Women’s soccer has been growing in popularity over the years, and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has been at the forefront of this movement. Two of the most powerful teams in the league are Gotham FC and the Chicago Red Stars. Whenever they face each other, it’s always a spectacle worth watching.
The Teams
Gotham FC (formerly known as Sky Blue FC) is a team based in Harrison, New Jersey. They have been part of the NWSL since the league’s inception in 2013. The team was originally owned by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, but recently, the team has been sold to a group led by Steven Temares. Gotham FC has some of the most talented players in the league, including Carli Lloyd, Midge Purce, and Jennifer Cudjoe.
On the other hand, the Chicago Red Stars are based in Bridgeview, Illinois. They have been part of the NWSL since 2013 as well. The team is owned by Arnim Whisler and is coached by Rory Dames. Some of their standout players include Julie Ertz, Mallory Pugh, and Kealia Watt.
The Rivalry
Gotham FC and the Chicago Red Stars have developed one of the most intense rivalries in the NWSL. Their matches are always highly contested and often filled with drama. In fact, the rivalry has become so intense that it has been dubbed the “Clash of the Titans”.
The two teams have played each other a total of 14 times, with Gotham FC winning 6 times and the Chicago Red Stars winning 4 times. The remaining 4 matches ended in draws. Both teams have scored a total of 18 goals against each other.
The Players to Watch
Carli Lloyd is one of the most iconic players in women’s soccer. She has won two Olympic gold medals and two FIFA Women’s World Cups with the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). She joined Gotham FC in 2020 and has been a key player for the team ever since. Lloyd is known for her incredible work ethic and her ability to come up clutch in big moments.
Julie Ertz is another standout player to watch for the Chicago Red Stars. She has also won multiple Olympic gold medals and FIFA Women’s World Cups with the USWNT. Ertz is a versatile player who can play in multiple positions, including center back and defensive midfielder. She is known for her physicality and her ability to win the ball back.
The Matches
The first time Gotham FC and the Chicago Red Stars faced each other was on April 26, 2014. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams scoring in the second half. Since then, the two teams have faced each other multiple times, each match building on the intensity of the rivalry.
One of the most memorable matches between the two teams was on August 29, 2020. Gotham FC came out on top with a score of 3-2, with Carli Lloyd scoring two goals in the first half. The match was filled with drama, with both teams fighting tooth and nail until the final whistle.
The Future
The rivalry between Gotham FC and the Chicago Red Stars is only set to continue in the future. Both teams have a deep bench of talented players who are ready to take on any challenge. Fans of women’s soccer can expect more intense and high-scoring matches between these two powerhouses of the NWSL in the years to come.