HARRISON, NJ – The Chicago Red Stars defeated NJ/NY Gotham FC, 3-0, as Gotham FC celebrated the NWSL career of defender Gina Lewandowski at Red Bull Arena on Saturday night.
The match marked the final competition for Lewandowski, who announced her retirement from professional soccer in June. There was a pregame ceremony that included a signed jersey from her teammates, presented to her by part-owner Ed Nalbandian and General Manager Yael Averbuch West while surrounded by family, as “thank you, Gina” cheers rang from the crowd.
“It was just important to go in and enjoy the moment. Be intentional about focusing on the game, executing the plan,” Lewandowski said. “Unfortunately, it didn't go as planned, but it's still fun and exciting to have everybody here and see us play.”
Gotham FC was on the attack early, with Cameron Tucker ripping a shot right on target at the three-minute mark.
Lewandowski helped make a key stop early on a Chicago Red Star attack but broke through in the 16th minute by Sarah Luebbert. Vanessa DiBernardo scored at the 25th minute, as Gotham FC faced a 2-0 deficit at the half.
Forward Jenna Bike and defender Taylor Smith made their debut for Gotham FC to start the second half. Bike joined this week as a National Team replacement, while Smith was recently claimed off waivers from North Carolina Courage.
“I've been here like it's been a week and it's been great,” Smith said. “It's been positive. It's been high intensity. I think the club's going in the right direction and I'm hoping – especially this upcoming month – that we can get some points and start putting out good performances and getting results.”
Imani Dorsey had a shot on target in the 50th minute. Lewandowski just missed on a crossing pass in the 61st minute to try and breakthrough for Gotham.
“I will make sure that I'm better and better for them,” Gotham FC head coach Scott Parkinson said. “It's no fun when you go down like we did.”
Smith fired a shot in the 78th minute that was her best opportunity at a goal in her debut. Ella Stevens scored in the 84th minute to put Chicago up 3-0.
Lewandowski was subbed out in the 86th minute, to rousing applause and a hug from her head coach and teammates.
“The game has brought me so much in my life personally, as I've grown so much as a player, but also as a person and just the relationships that I've built over time and then going overseas, just the people I was exposed to, all the adventures that I've had, and I'm just really blessed to have a career that I've had and just the person who I've become these last 15 years through the game, and got me to just be that best version of myself, and I'm really grateful for everybody who's been a part of it.”
The team returns to action Friday when they travel to Louisville to take on Racing Louisville FC. The kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. The game will be aired on Paramount+ and streamed live on Twitch internationally.
