Gotham FC triumph over Chicago Red Stars with late goal

0:57

Lynn Williams becomes NWSL's all-time leading goal scorer

Lynn Williams becomes the leading goal scorer in NWSL history after putting Gotham FC up 1-0 vs. the Chicago Red Stars.

Updated: Jul 7, 2024, 12:50 am

NJ/NY Gotham FC secured a victory over the Chicago Red Stars 2-1 at home on Sunday. Forward Lynn Williams led the charge for Gotham FC, scoring the opening goal in the second half and later assisting on midfielder Ella Stevens' winning header.

Williams was instrumental throughout the match, netting her goal in the 57th minute with a close-range header assisted by striker Esther González. 

Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger made several crucial saves, and left back Jenna Nighswonger provided an assist on Stevens' decisive goal from a corner kick.

The first half saw both teams struggle to find their rhythm offensively. Delanie Sheehan of Gotham FC and Jenna Bike of Chicago each received yellow cards for fouls within minutes of each other. The deadlock was broken when Williams scored early in the second half following sustained pressure from Gotham's attack.

Chicago responded quickly after conceding, with forward Penelope Hocking equalizing in the 74th minute off a set piece situation that caught Gotham's defense off guard. Despite this setback, Gotham continued to press forward aggressively.

Injuries played a role as well; defender Maximiliane Rall had an injury scare but managed to continue playing after receiving treatment on field during stoppage time. Forward Ally Schlegel had another brief delay before being substituted out later into second period .

ESPN Generative AI Services creates recaps from event data and/or transcripts that are reviewed by human editors before posting; email support@espncustomercare.com for corrections