Stars rally for draw against Gotham

Chicago Stars FC 1-1 Gotham FC

BRIDGEVIEW, IL—Chicago Stars FC’s first competitive match in 41 days ended in a 1-1 draw at SeatGeek Stadium against Gotham FC. It makes it back-to-back draws at home, but ten matches winless at home dating back to last season and their last home win being 312 days ago. 

There were few chances for either side in the first half, but Gotham would make the most of their few chances in the 39th minute when Sarah Schupansky sent a cross towards Khyah Harper who headed the ball in past Alyssa Naeher making her return to the lineup for the hosts. 

The second half was much better from the Stars who had numerous chances, One of those would go in in the 68th minute when Julia Gross sent a cross into the box and was headed in by Ally Schlegel for only her second goal of the season. 

The Stars also had chances late to snatch a win, but both times Ann-Katrin Berger would make two outstanding saves—one on Schlegel and a second on Shea Groom in stoppage time. 

It’s a start after the break and a sign of progress for the Stars and interim coach Ella Masar who is signed with the club thru the end of the season whether or not the club appoint a permanent coach within that time. 

“Right or wrong, I have I’d no other way to do it,” said Masar. Like, give everything I have, and that is out of respect for these players. That is respect of being here for the last three years. That’s my respect for the club of giving my chance to my first opportunity in many situations.

“It’s also out of knowing that I’m going to and I said it from beginning. I want to tighten this up so when whoever comes over, I can help them take over. And we don’t know who’s coming in, but if the rumors are correct who is coming in, then I know no matter what happens, this club has made the best decision for the club. And I trust fully in the person that’s coming in or people, and that makes my job that much easier”

The Stars next play a week from Sunday at home against Bay FC. Kickoff is at 1pm CT on CBS and Paramount+.

Photos by Len Cederholm

SCORING SUMMARY:
GFC-Khyah Harper (Schupansky) 39
CHI-Ally Schlegel (Grosso) 68

BOOKING SUMMARY:
GFC-Nealy Martin (caution, tactical foul) 13
CHI-Manaka Hayashi (caution, reckless tackle) 25
CHI-Ludmilla (caution, tactical foul) 36

CHICAGO RED STARS (4-3-3):  #1-Alyssa Naeher; #32-Taylor Malham, #4-Cari Roccaro (#6-Kathrin Hendrich 66), #3-Sam Staaab, #12-Natalie Kuikka; #21-Julia Grosso, #77-Maitane, #16-Manaka Hayashi (#10-Shea Groom 46); #14-Ludmilla, #34-Ally Schlegel (#20-Bea Franklin 87), #24-Jenna Bike (#26-Nadia Gomes 72)

Subs not used:  #19-Mackenzie Wood, #22-Halle Mackiewicz, #2-Samantha Cary, #7-Ava Cook, #23-Micayla Johnson

GOTHAM FC (4-3-3):  #1-Ann-Katrin Berger; #4-Lilly Reale, #6-Emily Sonnett, #14-Nealy Martin (#22-Mandy Freeman 46), #27-Jess Carter (#21-Sofia Cook 77); #7-Jaelin Howell, #8-Taryn Torres, #16-Rose Lavelle (#28-Katie Stengel 62); #11-Sarah Schupansky, #34-Khyah Harper (#10-Geyse 62), #23-Midge Purce (#3-Bruninha 17)

Subs not used:  #1-Shelby Hogan, #5-Josefine Hasbo, #17-McKenna Whitham, #19-Kayla Duran

TOTAL SHOTS:  CHI 13-6 GFC
SHOTS ON GOAL:  CHI 5-2 GFC
FOULS:  CHI 14-9 GFC
OFFSIDES:  CHI 4-3 GFC
CORNER KICKS:  CHI 6-2 GFC
SAVES:  CHI 1-4 GFC

Referee:  Muhammed Hassan
Assistant Referees:  Sarah Gaddes, Christian Little
Fourth Official:  Salvador Flores
VAR:  Anya Voight
AVAR:  Kevin Huet
Attendance:  2,874
Weather:  Sunny and 74º
Woman of the Match:  Ally Schlegel (CHI)

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