Gary Gibson
Gotham FC (10th 4-0-7 12p) gets another chance to right the ship. They face a Chicago (5th 5-5-3, 18p) team who is physical and loves to go vertical with Pugh leading the attack. They face off on Sunday 8/7 6pm EST at Seat Geek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. Streaming on Paramount +.
Referee for this match is Kevin Broadley. He calls himself a Collegiate Athlete, Coach, Coaching Director and Professional Referee. Current Executive Director of Charlotte Referee Organization (CRO).
Chicago and Gotham are in a poor run of form with both teams winning 1 game in their last 5. Both teams rely heavily on their international players so a drop in form is to be expected over the last month. The Red Stars last win was against this very Gotham side in a 3-0 rout. Historically, Red Stars have dominated these matchups. 11-6-4 overall.
Last time out was complete physical domination from Chicago. Chicago choked out the middle of the field and forced Gotham's wingers onto islands.
Unlike the first match of the season, both teams will be bolstered by returning players. Chicago will have Pugh likely in the starting 11. Gotham did not have Purce or Onumonu last time out.
Reason to be optimistic:
Gotham, Should have Purce, Monaghan, Onumonu and Smith in the 18. This is a lot of firepower that hopefully can build off of last week's 2 goal performance. Chicago bossed around Kawasumi. They won't be able to do this with these attacking 4.
Reason to be pessimistic:
Gotham is 12th in goals scored per match and Chicago is 7th in goals conceded. Gotham has been blanked 3 times in their last 5.
Manifestations:
Goals. As pointed out on the podcast. At this point, if you are going down, go down swinging. The only way to get out of the funk Gotham is in is to score goals. If Chicago is going to score 6, Gotham needs to score at least 5.
Final thought:
Just want to see improvement. A win away in Chicago is a tall ask. Just hoping Gotham can keep the game close.
Question of the week:
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Check out our latest podcast featuring an interview with Gotham FC Midfielder Taryn Torres.