Gotham FC's Resilience Shines in Scoreless Draw Against Chicago Stars Despite Missed Opportunities

In a rain-soaked Sunday clash at Sports Illustrated Stadium, Gotham FC dominated play but was forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against the struggling Chicago Stars. While the scoreboard remained static, the match told a more layered story of a Gotham side that controlled possession, outshot its opponent, and continued to cement its reputation as the NWSL’s most defensively disciplined team.

Gotham FC registered 14 shots to Chicago’s 4, held a 1.01–0.23 expected goals (xG) advantage, and generated all five of the match’s shots on target. Two golden late-game chances from substitute Mak Whitham nearly sealed the win, but Chicago’s goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher delivered two crucial stops, preserving a point for the visitors.

The closest Gotham came to scoring was in the first half when Jaelin Howell’s effort thundered off the crossbar. Despite a frustrating end result, the draw extended Gotham’s unbeaten run to five matches and marked their fourth clean sheet of the season—tied for most in the league alongside Kansas City.

Gotham's Ascension: A Defensive Blueprint

Sunday’s clean sheet wasn’t a fluke—it was the continuation of a trend. Gotham has now shut out its opponents in the first half in seven of their last nine matches dating back to 2024. Anchored by the leadership and shot-stopping prowess of veteran goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who posted her fourth clean sheet of the season, the back line continues to gel. Berger’s fingertip save to deny a rare long-range Chicago effort was her only required intervention, underscoring the team’s collective defensive discipline.

Emily Sonnett, one of the league’s premier defenders, won 10 possessions and is now just one appearance away from her 150th regular season match. Her pairing with Jaelin Howell in midfield has become a backbone of Gotham’s success. Howell, who won nine possessions and eight duels in the match, continues to prove invaluable as a two-way midfielder. Both players remain ever-present this season, having logged every minute so far in 2025.

Statistically, Gotham’s defense suffocated Chicago, which failed to register a shot on goal in the first half and managed just one on target across 90 minutes. The Stars had no attempts at all in the final 30 minutes, a testament to how thoroughly they were pinned in their own half.

A Promising Attack, Still Looking for the Finish

While Gotham’s attacking unit controlled tempo and created chances, the finishing touch remained elusive. Substitutes like Midge Purce and Mak Whitham injected energy into the second half, but it was ultimately a game of missed opportunities. Gotham’s tactical setup created overloads and space in wide areas, yet their crosses and final passes often failed to find a target in the box.

Despite the stalemate, the draw represented upward momentum for a team that sat near the bottom of the table just two weeks ago. With 10 points earned in their last five outings, Gotham (3-2-3, 12 points) is now in a three-way tie for third place with Portland and Washington, though the Spirit have a game in hand.

Youth Movement & Milestones

Coach Juan Carlos Amorós has leaned into a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent. Rookie Sofia Cook made her NWSL debut, becoming the fifth Gotham rookie to see action this season—more than any other club. Meanwhile, midfield anchor Nealy Martin surpassed 5,000 minutes in all competitions, and forward Midge Purce, a stalwart of the league, crossed the 10,000-minute mark with her second-half appearance.

These milestones point to both the stability and depth Gotham is building, key components for a deep run later in the season. With players like Sarah Schupansky and Cook pushing for more minutes and seasoned veterans providing consistency, Amorós has enviable squad depth.

Looking Ahead

Gotham’s next test arrives quickly. A short turnaround sees them travel to face Racing Louisville FC on Friday night in a nationally televised matchup on Amazon Prime Video. Louisville, known for its energetic press and home-field advantage at Lynn Family Stadium, will provide a contrasting challenge to the low block Gotham faced against Chicago.

To keep their momentum, Gotham will need to convert their creativity into goals—a concern Amorós was candid about postgame. “We had some very good chances… sometimes it is what it is, zero-zero,” he noted. “But two weeks ago we were second from the bottom—now we’re third. That’s a credit to the fantastic work everyone is putting in.”

Final Thoughts

There’s a paradox at the heart of Gotham FC’s current form: while their attack remains inconsistent, their defensive foundation may be the strongest in the league. A team that can outplay opponents and secure points without conceding is dangerous—even if they’re not yet firing on all cylinders in the final third.

With a playoff push in sight and an identity rooted in resilience, cohesion, and developing depth, Gotham FC’s 2025 campaign looks increasingly like one of promise. If they can translate dominant performances into goals, they won’t just be third in the standings—they’ll be contenders for silverware.