Gotham continues Stars’ misery

Gotham FC 3-1 Chicago Stars FC

HARRISON, NJ–It was top versus bottom in the NWSL at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Friday night, and the match went to form as league leaders Gotham FC defeated bottom of the league Chicago Stars FC, 3-1.

Gotham needed just nine minutes to take the lead. Sam Kerr sent a low cross into the box that went past three defenders and to Jaedyn Shaw for an easy finish. It could have been much worse for the Stars in the first half, but for Alyssa Naeher, the woodwork, or poor finishing by the hosts. As it was, the Stars were fortunate to enter halftime just 1-0 down.

Their fortune ran dry five minutes into the second half as former Stars Sam Kerr headed in a cross from Guro Reiten. Shaw added a second in the 66th minute after a set up from Rose Lavelle. The Stars managed a consolation goal in the 87th minute via Tessa Dellarose, but this match was all Gotham as they extended their lead at the top to six points over San Diego, while the Stars are six points adrift of the next team in the table in Racing Louisville.

Gotham return to action on Sunday, October, 4th at home against Angel City FC (1pm ET, ABC/ESPN App), while the Stars host Denver Summit the same day (3pm CT, CBS Sports Network).

Photos by Alyssa Carr