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WPS Chicago Stars FC

Boston Keeps Red Stars Off Board, Claims 2-0 Win

June 21, 2009 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Chicago Stars FC News Release


Bridgeview, Ill. - Not even a lineup shake-up could help the Chicago Red Stars snap out of a losing streak.

With usual starters Cristiane, Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe all watching the opening kickoff from the bench, the Red Stars dropped a 2-0 decision to the Boston Breakers Sunday afternoon before 3,889 fans at TOYOTA PARK.

The Breakers (4-4-3) didn't have many chances in the match but the visitors made the most of them, starting when Kristine Lilly sent a long pass to teammate Amy Rodriguez inside the box in the 22nd minute. Splitting two Chicago defenders, Rodriguez beat Caroline Jönsson for her first goal of the season.

Chicago (2-5-5) nearly tied it up a minute later when Lindsay Tarpley put a shot off the crossbar - but the ricochet eluded a wide-open Rapinoe and was cleared by the Breakers defense. Rapinoe came on as a first-half substitute for defender Marian Dalmy, who sprained her ankle in a collision that resulted in a caution for Boston's Kelly Smith.

The Red Stars had more chances for an equalizer in the second half, twice beating Boston goalkeeper Allison Lipsher only to have the shot cleared off the goal line by a defender.

In the 68th minute Tarpley fired a rocket from the top of the box that replays showed hit off the arm of Breakers defender Alex Scott, but play continued without a hand ball whistle.

"I'm very proud of my players today," said Red Stars coach Emma Hayes. "I think the better team lost the game and I think if we could extend the goal width in either direction then we wouldn't be talking about a clean sheet."

Boston added a second-half stoppage time goal when Lilly scored on a penalty kick. Red Stars defender Nikki Krzysik earned a yellow card for a foul against Jennifer Nobis in the box, and referee Dallas Malhiwsky awarded the Breakers a penalty shot, which Lilly easily buried for her third goal of the year.

The loss is the third consecutive shutout for Chicago, which has now played 313 minutes without scoring, dating back to a second-half goal at FC Gold Pride June 7. That mark bests the Red Stars' 308-minute scoreless streak from earlier this season and establishes a new WPS record.

Chicago remains in seventh place in the WPS standings, while the win moves Boston into sole-possession of third place pending other league action Sunday night.

The Red Stars return to action for a special midweek game with Abby Wambach and the Washington Freedom at 7:30 pm Wednesday, July 1st at TOYOTA PARK. Family four packs are available for the match, featuring four tickets, four hot dogs and four soft drinks and starting at just $64. Four packs purchased in Premier and Midfield seating sections also include a family photo taken on the sidelines following the game. Tickets are available by calling (866) WPS-2009 or logging on to www.chicagoredstars.com.

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Women's Professional Soccer Stories from June 21, 2009


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