Gotham FC vs Chicago Stars FC: How to watch, time, more as the NWSL is back | OneFootball

After over a month of the NWSL break, league play is back!  NJ/NY Gotham FC and the rest of the teams will restart play this weekend.  For the Bats, the second half of the season will be critical since they desperately need to climb the table.  They currently sit in eighth place, which is the last playoff spot.  Moreover, for some unknown reason, the team did not play any friendlies during the break.

As such, Gotham FC will have a tall task ahead of them as they resume play with a road match against Chicago Fire Stars FC.  While Chicago is in 13th place, they held the Bats to a 0-0 draw at Sports Illustrated Stadium.  That is why this will not be a guaranteed win by any means.  The ladies must pick up from where they left off before the break, when they beat Bay FC.

At least some of the players, like Jess Carter and Stella Nyamekye, played during this stretch due to the continental tournaments like Euro 2025.  Still, enough players have not played since the Bay FC game, where the team could struggle in their first fixture back.  Consistent playing time allows players to keep up with their development, and games keep them in playing shape.  This long rest could be detrimental to the team since there was so much time without a match.

The one good thing about the break, though, is that formerly injured players like Rose Lavelle had time to heal and are closer to 100%.  A healthy Gotham FC can be the difference in how they play in this second half, including against Chicago.  Ideally, the Bats will earn a road win.

How to watch and more of Gotham FC’s match with Chicago

Date

Friday, August 1

Time

08:00 PM ET, with an expected kickoff a little after

How to watch on TV and streaming

NWSL+

How to watch in person

Supporters would have to fly to the Windy City area

How to listen

Unknown at this time

How to follow

If Gotham fans cannot watch or listen to the game, then they can follow along via the NWSL website and the club’s X account.

Final Notes

Gotham FC should have most of their international players back from the continental tournaments.  Carter might be questionable since she and England were celebrating their Euro 2025 win on Tuesday.  The only player who will clearly not be with the team is Gabi Portilho, for she and Brazil will play in the finals of the Copa América Femenina on Saturday.