It only took 46 seconds for rookie forward Jordynn Dudley to score the opening goal in Gotham FC’s 2-0 road victory over Chicago Stars FC on Wednesday.
Winger Jaedyn Shaw sent a clever bending ball to the far post, and Dudley applied the finish. It was Dudley’s first career NWSL goal, the fastest goal of the 2026 NWSL season and the second-fastest goal in the history of Gotham FC.
Dudley Reacts After Scoring First Career NWSL Goal
“It was amazing,” Dudley said after scoring her first professional goal. “I wasn’t expecting it to come so quick, but I’m glad it did. I feel like it set the tone for the game, and that was fun.
“We were doing a really good job circulating the ball and getting me on the ball out wide with time and space, which is what I want.
We did really good with that on the right side as well as the left, which is how we scored the second goal too.”
Dudley previously recorded her first professional assist against Bay FC in Gotham’s 3-0 home win over Bay FC on Saturday.
The former Florida State standout tied for the most chances (three — tied with Esther González and Guro Reiten) and the most dribbles (three — tied with Rose Lavelle and Chicago’s Aaliyah Farmer) in Wednesday’s contest.
“Jordynn is growing from game to game,” acting Gotham FC head coach Shaun Harris said following the match. “If you look at her first game to now, she just keeps improving. 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.
“Now, it’s about getting into the right positions and having that patience. When she gets the ball, she does what she does. She’s quiet off the pitch, but she understands what’s required, and you let her go and feel the game. The team and staff are really happy with her. She’s influential, and you saw tonight she had a really good game and can be very dangerous going forward.”
Fast Start Sets the Tone for Gotham
Gotham could have scored four goals within the first 10 minutes of the match. Esther came close to finding the net twice in quick succession with her latter spectacular curling effort striking the post.
Lavelle would double Gotham’s lead in the 10th minute by volleying Reiten’s cross into the back of the net.
The 30-year-old midfielder has scored in consecutive games.
Reiten Thrives Again in Left-Back Role
Reiten started the match at left-back as she did in her debut against Bay FC. Again, the Norwegian looked comfortable playing in an unnatural position.
“We have played two games in a row where we’re happy with the results and the performance,” Reiten said. “We always want to improve. [In the] second half, we could do a little bit better, but in the end it’s about winning.”
The 31-year-old played for 62 minutes before being replaced by a returning Lilly Reale, who missed Saturday’s match due to a lower-leg injury.
Reale Returns After Recovering From Lower-Leg Injury
Reale was eased back into action and played for 29 minutes. Sofia Cook, Talia Sommer, Andrea Kitahata and Khyah Harper each saw second-half action as substitutes.
Bruninha (hamstring), Mandy Freeman (lower leg) and Emily Sonnett (lower leg) missed out on Wednesday’s contest. Kayla Duran and Taryn Torres are both on the season-ending injury list due to knee injuries.
Gotham has looked faster and sharper in attack over the past two matches. Reiten’s cultured left foot and experienced presence have given the Bats a boost.
“We talked about a fast start and the wide areas – going 1-v-1 and seeing where the space is and exploiting it,” Reiten stated.
“We did that really well in the first half and scored two quick goals, which is exactly how you want to start a game.”
Wednesday’s win moved Gotham into fourth place in the NWSL standings and one point behind the third-place Washington Spirit.
Gotham will return home to Sports Illustrated Stadium to face Racing Louisville on Sunday. Kick off is scheduled for 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
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