3 things we learned as Gotham FC and Chicago Stars FC shared the points | OneFootball

On Friday, NJ/NY Gotham FC resumed NWSL play after the long break.  The Bats were on the road to face Chicago Stars FC and wanted to ideally restart the 2025 campaign with all three points.  Alas, similar to the home fixture earlier in the season, the two teams shared the points.  This time, they both scored, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

With Esther González missing to get a few days extra rest from the Euros and Ella Stevens out due to injury, the rookie Khyah Harper got the start up front and center for the first time in the NWSL.  She also scored her first goal, giving Gotham FC their lone tally from the night.

Nevertheless, the visitors were outplayed by the team that is supposed to be struggling.  Chicago held about 55% of the possession, outshot the NJ/NY side 13 to six, and had five shots on target compared to just two.  It was not shocking by any means when Ally Schlegel scored for the Stars to tie the match.  In addition, the Bats were lucky they did not give up another.

It was not the best result based on the fact that Chicago is in second-to-last place and that Gotham FC desperately needs to climb up the table.  But a draw on the road is not the worst thing.  Hence, let’s take a look at three things we learned from the game.

Khyah Harper’s dream first start for Gotham

As mentioned, Harper started her first match for Gotham FC.  The rookie has barely played thus far in the season, playing a high of 16 minutes in two appearances out of six prior to this fixture.

Harper took advantage of her start, scoring her first professional goal in the 39th minute.  Sarah Schupansky crossed the ball right into the box in front of the forward.  She reacted to the chance and scored via a diving header to put the NJ/NY side on the board.  It was a brilliant way to score her first goal, and Harper proved she is deserving of more time on the pitch.

Of course, Gotham as a whole could have been better offensively.  Harper’s lone shot resulted in a goal, but the team only had the six total shots.  Ideally, they will be better in the attack.

Gotham FC should have played friendlies

Part of why Gotham FC struggled offensively could lie with the fact that the team did not play any friendlies during the NWSL break.  Truthfully, the ladies who did not have any games could have benefited from that.  Training helps, but there is a reason teams play friendlies before a season begins.  With the exception of six players who had their continental tournaments in July with their national teams, everyone else has not played in a month or over a month, pending whether they played in the international window.

The lack of playing time was seen in the game.  The passing was not always the greatest, there were offensive struggles, and it felt like a game from the beginning of the season.

Notably, the Stars played two friendlies in July, and the difference was clear and obvious.  So, the next time there is a break similar to the length of this year’s, Gotham must schedule a couple of games, even behind closed doors.

Another Ann-Katrin Berger masterclass

Ann-Katrin Berger and the Bats might have given up a goal, but Berger had another incredible game.  Arguably, she was the best player on Friday and kept her team in the match.  Without her four saves or any of her catches, there is no question the Stars would have beaten Gotham.

There was even an injury concern for the keeper, which is not uncommon based on how many times she goes down in a game.  Thankfully, she was okay and put on another stellar performance.

Her best save of the night came in the 57th minute.  Berger had to react quickly and pounce on the ball to send it out of play.  If she had not had the sudden reaction, then this conversation would be about a loss rather than a draw.  She also had a kick save in stoppage time of the second half that kept the game 1-1.