Boston Breakers Come from Behind to Tie First-Place Chicago

Published on July 18, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Boston Breakers News Release


HANOVER, Mass. (July 18, 2015) - The Boston Breakers snapped a three-game losing streak and earned an important point on the road Saturday night, tying first-place Chicago, 1-1, at the Village of Lisle Benedictine University Sports Complex, in Lisle, Ill.

In front of a sold-out crowd of 3,560, the Breakers came from behind to earn the draw, which sent their record to 3-6-3. Rookie Stephanie McCaffrey scored her third goal of the season, leveling the game in the 62nd minute after Chicago took a 1-0 lead just eight minutes earlier.

After a scoreless first half, the Red Stars struck first in the 54th minute. Taryn Hemmings came along the byline and found Lori Chalupny at the top of the goal area. Chalupny had an open look and one-timed it into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead. But the advantage lasted less than 10 minutes. McCaffrey split two Chicago defenders before beating Chicago keeper Karina LeBlanc far post to tie the match at 1-1.

The Breakers had a few chances to find a late winner, but LeBlanc came up big, denying Kristie Mewis in the 90th minute, ending the biggest threat in the final 25 minutes for the Breakers.

The first half was even in nearly every aspect of the game. Shots and shots on goal, 4-4 and 2-2, respectively, were tied, as was the score at 0-0. The best chance for the Breakers came in the 42nd minute when Katie Schoepfer forced LeBlanc to make a diving save. LeBlanc came out to clear a cross, but the ball landed at the feet of Schoepfer, who struck from distance, before LeBlanc pushed the ball away from danger.

Chicago threatened twice within a 16-minute span in the first half. In the fifth minute, Jen Hoy was denied in front of goal by Breakers keeper Alyssa Naeher, who finished with six saves. In the 21st minute, Sofia Huerta hit the cross bar from close range.

The Breakers return home on Wednesday, July 22 to host Chicago. The match will be held at Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium on the campus of Harvard University at 7 p.m. ET. To purchase tickets, visit www.breakerstickets.com.

Notes ... Katie Schoepfer tied Angela Hucles for second all-time in franchise history by making her 76th appearance tonight ... Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made her 70th start as a Breaker ... The tie between the Breakers and Red Stars was the first in 16 meetings between the clubs. The Red Stars lead the overall series, 10-5-1 ... The point earned on the road against the Red Stars was the first since July 25, 2010, when the Breakers beat Chicago, 3-1, at Toyota Park. Alyssa Naeher made eight saves in that match, which saw goals from Kelly Smith (two) and Ifeoma Dieke for the Breakers.

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from July 18, 2015


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