Sports stats



NWSL Chicago Stars FC

Chicago Attack Flexes Muscles in 3-1 Win at Sky Blue FC

August 28, 2016 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Chicago Stars FC News Release


Chicago, Ill. - The Chicago Red Stars recorded a 3-1 away win over Sky Blue FC on Saturday evening, bagging a crucial three points that see Head Coach Rory Dames' squad move six points clear of their New Jersey-based foes in the playoff race and to within one point of their next opponent, second-place Portland Thorns FC. The convincing victory came courtesy of an overall strong team performance as well as impressive attacking displays by Vanessa DiBernardo and goal-scorers Stephanie McCaffrey, Christen Press and Sofia Huerta. Samantha Kerr had the consolation goal for the home side in stoppage time.

The match also featured a combined three last-ditch saves by outstanding Red Stars Alyssa Naeher and Arin Gilliland within a single frantic defensive sequence.

Despite Chicago controlling most of the play in the opening 45 minutes, their opposition nearly had an open look on goal when a mishit clearance by Casey Short sent the ball bouncing into the path of streaking striker Tasha Kai. Battling two defenders, the former U.S. international was denied by current Stars and Stripes ace Naeher, who had rushed off her line and got a touch to avert the danger.

In the 27th minute, McCaffrey came close to opening the scoring at the other end. The recent acquisition from league rivals Boston Breakers found herself with a bit of time outside the box and released a thunderous effort that forced goalkeeper Caroline Stanley to leave her feet and palm over for a corner.

Massachusetts native McCaffrey did add her name to the score sheet moments after the half-hour mark, albeit unintentionally. Guarded by American legend Christie Rampone on the right flank, the forward managed to get a cross off and saw the ball float over the head of the scrambling Stanley before bouncing off the inside of the far post and into the net. Sky Blue FC's Raquel Rodriguez had a chance to level the match when she pushed into the penalty area three minutes later, but her hard attempt from slightly left of center was tipped around the near post by Naeher.

The home side came closest to equalizing in the 38th minute, allowing Chicago to put in a strong claim for National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Save of the Week in the process.

Positioned well outside the area and to the right of center, Taylor Lytle sent a long ball into the mix that was attacked by Kai and fell right to the feet of wide open Sarah Killion on the edge of the five-yard box. The 24-year-old struck it first-time, only for her close-range effort to be tipped point-blank by Naeher and then scraped off the line in spectacular fashion by the foot of a scrambling Gilliland. The rebound was poked back toward goal by Killion from less than two yards out and was again

Check out the Chicago Stars FC Statistics

• Discuss this story on the National Women's Soccer League message board...

National Women's Soccer League Stories from August 28, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central