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For the third time this season, the Red Stars face-off against Gotham FC. The Red Stars entered the game with a chance to finally get through Gotham, after two previous close loses.
Things got awfully interesting early on in the 7th minute. Mallory Swanson had a breakaway deep into the Gotham box. She went down, but there was no whistle and no foul. The first big call of the game. Gotham starting out the game with possession and creating some opportunities on offense.
Another Mal Swanson fastbreak with defenders closing in on her, she shoots a non-threatening shot right at the goalie. Shea Groom picks up a senseless sliding yellow card foul. Groom has played aggressively this season. Occasionally, her aggression turns into reckless play, costing her yellow cards.
Just before the end of the two additional minutes in the half, Gotham had a good chance to take the lead. However, the ball went just wide of the goal. Seconds later, there was another fastbreak for the Red Stars. This time it was Ludmila. As she was nearing the box, contact was made. But again, there was no call as the halftime whistle blew.
At halftime, NY Gotham is dominating. They have nearly 70% possession and outshot the stars 6-1. Both teams have one shot on goal each. Only thing the Red Stars have done that Gotham FC hasn’t been able to contain have been the breakaways. Red Stars should have been able to put away one out of the three fastbreak goal opportunities they had.
Same story in the second half, Gotham with possession, and then in the 60th another fastbreak for the Stars, this time Ludmila makes it dangerous and blasts one off the post. So close to taking the lead, but yet, so far.
A Gotham FC player was clipped, but no call. Play on. Five minutes later they decide it warrant a penalty check! What? Significant play went on. Penalty kick awarded. Very odd way to go about it. Williams converts to the back corner and Gotham takes the lead in the 86th.
Red Stars got a break with 9 minutes of additional time added. Well, a couple wasted opportunities later, and Gotham takes advantage and notches a dagger in the 97th. 2-0 Gotham. Another disappointing scoreline for the Red Stars.
They will potentially face Gotham FC again in the playoffs, but the Stars need to clinch first and see how the next few games turn out.
GAME NOTES:
- Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher recorded her 140th regular-season start this afternoon, tying former Red Star Vanessa DiBernardo for second-most regular-season starts in club history. Naeher now stands just behind Arin Wright’s club record of 143 regular-season starts.
- Both Ludmila and Taylor Malham recorded team-leading 82.4 and 82.6 percent passing accuracies, respectively.
Next Game:
Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Red Stars October 20, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. CT at Audi Field
