Preview: Chicago Red Stars vs. Gotham FC, NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup

The inaugural NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup is finally upon us and the Chicago Red Stars get to begin the event by hosting a similarly shorthanded Gotham FC side at Seatgeek Stadium in Bridgeview.

The Red Stars will be without captain Alyssa Naeher and Mallory Swanson throughout this event while they’re away competing with the USWNT at the Summer Olympics but Gotham is without a lot of important pieces for the coming weeks. Lynn Williams, Rose Lavelle, Tierna Davidson, Crystal Dunn, Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnet and starting goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger will be competing at the Summer Olympics as well, forcing Gotham to sign four national team replacement players earlier this week.

Red Stars head coach Lorne Donaldson expects Gotham to play a similar style despite their squad looking a bit different.

“Most coaches will stylistically play the way they play,” said Donaldson during his weekly media availability. “They’ll try to bring players that fit their style and how they play. So, I expect them to play the way they play, it’s just different personnel.

“But they’re a loaded team. They have players all over. I wouldn’t feel like they’re going to come in here and lay down. That’s not going to happen, that’s why they’re the defending champs. They have good players from top to bottom and they have great coaches, so you have to be ready to play.”

Donaldson wants to see his side compete with the intent of winning this tournament, especially those who'll get more minutes than they have so far in the NWSL regular season.

“It's a tournament where you want to compete to win, first and foremost, but you also want to look at more players and get them some playing time. It’s not just one game, the entire tournament, you can spread it out across the tournament who haven’t been playing as much and, hopefully, they can show us something that we don’t know about them.

“But on the other hand, you’re also trying to compete. It’s a double-edged sword. So, you have to manage it that way.”

Ally Cook is one of those players who could be looking at an extended run during the Summer Cup. The rookie forward joined the Red Stars as an undrafted free agent and has been contributing mostly as an attacking option off the bench. She’s learned early in her professional career that adaptability is key when trying to increase your minutes.

“Just be prepared for when your number is called,” said Cook. “You don’t know what it is or what the situation of the game is going to be. No situation is the same. So, it’s just taking what the game gives you and doing your best with it.”

Cook has found herself enjoying being on the pitch after generating confidence with each of her 11 NWSL appearances, making things easier for her as she’s adjusted to the pro game.

“It is like “I’ve been here before” and kind of know what it feels like. Just getting that experience has made it easier going into high-stress moments.”

How to Watch Chicago Red Stars vs. Gotham FC

Who: Chicago Red Stars vs Gotham FC

When: July 20, 2024. 4:00 PM CT

Where: SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, Illinois

What: NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, Group D, Round One

How to Watch: CBS Sports Network and Paramount+

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