Gotham FC has never won the NWSL Shield, but it has also never been this close. At 15-4-6 on the season and five points clear in the NWSL standings, the 2025 NWSL Champions host the Chicago Stars on Friday night with five matches separating the club from a first regular-season title.
Gotham FC Now Just a Few Matches Away From Shield Title
Of the most-anticipated soccer games today, this one tilts heavily toward the hosts. Chicago enters at 5-18-2 with just one road win all year. Gotham, by contrast, hasn't lost at home in 10 straight matches marking the longest run in franchise history.
To keep that streak alive, the team will lean on rookie forward Jordynn Dudley to provide an offensive spark. She put away two goals in Gotham's 2-1 win over North Carolina last week, the second coming in stoppage time to seal it.
Meanwhile, Rose Lavelle and Guro Reiten give the midfield more depth, freeing up space for recent Chelsea signing Sam Kerr to keep knocking on goal.
Despite all that scoring prowess, Gotham tends to keep things tight when it comes to the scoreboard. Eleven of the team's 15 wins have come by a single goal this season, trailing only one team in NWSL history for single-goal victories. Fans will likely prefer they break that habit this weekend.
Where to Watch Today's Soccer Game
A victory Friday would extend the gap in the NWSL standings and bring Gotham closer to running away with its first Shield. The club has two championships but has never finished a regular season on top.
Their showdown with Chicago kicks off tonight at 8 PM ET on Prime.
