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NWSL NJ/NY Gotham FC

Lynn Williams Scores Record-Breaking Goal to Lead Gotham FC to 2-1 Win against Chicago Red Stars

May 19, 2024 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
NJ/NY Gotham FC News Release


HARRISON, NJ - NJ/NY Gotham FC picked up three points at Red Bull Arena on Sunday night, as the club defeated the Chicago Red Stars 2-1. Forward Lynn Williams made National Women's Soccer League history with her 79th goal in all competitions. Williams is now the sole leader of goals across all competitions, passing former NWSL star forward Sam Kerr. Additionally, forward Ella Stevens scored the game-winning goal against her former club and has scored in back-to-back games.

Gotham FC started the match on the front foot and was connecting early in the final third. The club's first opportunity on goal came in the ninth minute when midfielder Rose Lavelle glided to the endline, weaving her defender back and forth, and then drove a pass across the box. Forward Esther was on the receiving end and fired a shot first time, but it went just over the crossbar.

In the 31st minute, forward Yazmeen Ryan had an opportunity of her own when she received the ball in open space at the top of the box. She ripped off a shot from distance but it went just over the crossbar.

To close the half, Gotham FC led Chicago in most major stat lines, including possession (58%-42%) and total shots (8-1).

Gotham FC settled back in at the beginning of the second half and picked up right where it left off. The club had a few early looks to begin the half.

However, Chicago had an opportunity in the 53rd minute. Chicago forward Mallory Swanson found space behind Gotham FC's backline and had a one-on-one opportunity with goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger. Swanson fired a shot but a quick reaction from Berger denied the opportunity.

Quickly after, Gotham FC also found an early opportunity when midfielder Delanie Sheehan served a ball into the box. Esther redirected the ball towards goal with her head, but Chicago goalkeeper Mackenzie Wood had to make a stretching save to tip the ball over the goal.

Gotham FC broke through with Williams' record breaking goal in the 57th minute. After building out of the back, defender Jenna Nighswonger streaked down the flank and served a lofted ball into the back post towards Esther. The Spanish forward volleyed it back across the face of the goal to Williams who headed the ball into goal, making history.

Chicago responded with a goal in the 75th minute by forward Penelope Hocking.

Gotham FC put the finishing touches on today's match with a goal from Stevens in the 90th minute, to secure the 2-1 victory over the Red Stars. Nighswonger stepped up to take a corner-kick and played the ball to the backside, where Stevens came crashing in to bury the header at the death.

Gotham FC will travel to play Bay FC on Friday, May 24 at 10 p.m. ET (Prime).

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