Gotham FC Cruises Past Chicago After Dudley’s Lightning-Fast Start

BRIDGEVIEW, IL — Jordynn Dudley scored her first professional goal just 46 seconds into the match, and Rose Lavelle added another in the 10th minute as Gotham FC defeated the Chicago Stars 2-0 on Wednesday night at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.

Dudley gave the Bats an immediate lead after finishing a low, incisive cross from Jaedyn Shaw inside the opening minute, marking the fastest goal in the NWSL this season and the second-fastest in club history while setting an aggressive tone for Gotham’s early control.

The rookie’s rapid adaptation has been a focal point for the coaching staff.

“Jordynn is growing from game to game,” lead assistant coach Shaun Harris said. “She takes on information really well, she’s coachable and understands her strengths. Her speed, quick feet and ability to connect and combine—she knows what she’s good at. She’s quiet off the pitch, but she understands what’s required and you let her go and feel the game.”

Gotham nearly doubled the lead in the eighth minute when Shaw again found Dudley in space, with the rookie forward sending a sharp ball across the box to Esther González, who arrived just a step late. Moments later, González struck the right post from close range as the Bats kept Chicago pinned deep for extended stretches.

The second goal arrived in the 10th minute when Guro Reiten delivered a lofted cross into the penalty area, where Lavelle met it cleanly on the half-volley to double Gotham’s advantage.

“It was a great start,” Reiten said. “We talked about a fast start and scored two within the first 10 or 15 minutes. It’s always good to contribute with an assist, but as long as the team keeps scoring and keeps winning, we’re happy.”

Gotham carried the 2-0 lead into halftime, reflecting a broader evolution for the club following a slow start to the campaign.

“We’re starting to find our rhythm and our chemistry now,” Harris noted. “There’s been a mentality shift. We weren’t pleased with the first five games, and it’s about how we shift that mindset. We know we’ve got the talent and the ability. It’s about being aggressive, doing everything early and not switching off.”

Harris emphasized that the recent focus has been on clinical execution.

“We’ve been working a lot in and around the box and in the final third—making sure we stick to the processes, move the ball and get into the right positions. Ultimately, it’s up to the players to finish, but the more you do it, the more chances you create in dangerous areas.”

Gotham continued to generate chances after the break, with Dudley remaining involved in buildup play and González finding additional opportunities, although the Bats were unable to add a third despite sustained pressure in the final third. While Harris acknowledged they “lost a little rhythm in the second half,” the performance remained dominant, securing both the win and a clean sheet.

For Dudley, the milestone goal was the catalyst for that collective confidence.

“It was amazing. I wasn’t expecting it to come so quick, but I’m glad it did,” she said. “It set the tone for the game and helped the team establish control.”

This result ensures the Bats keep rolling, securing another vital win and another clean sheet. Gotham’s defensive identity continues to solidify, as they have now recorded five clean sheets in seven games this season.

Gotham FC will look to keep its momentum going when it hosts Racing Louisville FC on Sunday evening at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET