Chicago Draws in North Carolina to Open the Season
April 13, 2019 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) - Chicago Red Stars News Release
CHICAGO - The Chicago Red Stars opened their 2019 season where they finished 2018, facing off against the defending champions North Carolina Courage. However, this time around Chicago was able to come up with a point as the team earned a 1-1 draw to open their campaign.
Last year's NWSL Golden Boot Winner Sam Kerr would get Chicago on the board first in the 26th minute after a fantastic through ball from Yuki Nagasato. Crystal Dunn would equalize for the Courage in the second half, whose shot beat Alyssa Naeher's save attempt.
The Courage would continue to push for the lead, but Chicago's defense would hold strong to go along with Naeher's five saves to keep the match even.
Key Moments
26th minute: Sam Kerr opens her 2019 NWSL goal account after Nagasato places a picture-perfect pass to the Aussie, who side-steps the goalkeeper and slots the ball into the back of the net. The goal marks her league-leading 60th in the NWSL.
41st minute: North Carolina's Lynn Williams takes shot outside of the 18-yard box, but Naeher full length dives to make the save.
60th minute: Chicago builds out from the back and Alyssa Mautz finds a wide-open Arin Wright, who puts the ball just inches too far to the right.
66th minute: The Courage's Jessica McDonald finds Dunn off a throw-in and the forward is given space inside the final third and slots in the equalizer as Naeher is beaten far post.
79th minute: Off of a North Carolina corner, Abby Erceg would head the ball towards goal, only for Naeher to parry the ball away.
93rd minute: Late substitution Michele Vasconcelos finds a running Kerr who beats goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe to the far post with a first-time volley, but the ball bounces off the crossbar and away from goal denying the Aussie the winning goal.
Next Game
Next up, Chicago will play in their home opener at SeatGeek Stadium to face off against Portland Thorns FC on Saturday, April 20th. The game will be a doubleheader in collaboration with the Chicago Fire. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT for the Red Stars following the Fire's match at 12:00 p.m. CT.
TICKETS: Red Stars vs Thorns
Chicago Red Stars vs North Carolina Courage April 13, 2019 -WakeMed Soccer Park (Cary, NC.)
Goals by Half 1 2 F
North Carolina Courage 0 1 1
Chicago Red Stars 1 0 1
Scoring Summary:
CHI: Kerr (Nagasato), '26
NC: Dunn (McDonald), '66
Misconduct Summary:
CHI: Vasconcelos, '89
Lineups
POR: GK Labbe, D Mathias, D Dahlkemper, D Erceg ©, D Hinkle, M Mewis, M Zerboni (Hamilton, '71), M O'Sullivan, M Dunn, F Williams, F McDonald (Pruitt, '71)
CHI: GK Naeher, D Wright (Vasconcelos '80), D Naughton, D Davidson, D Gorden, M Ertz ©, M Colaprico, M Mautz (DiBernardo), F Colaprico, F Nagasato (Brian, '73), F Kerr
All statistics contained in this box score are unofficial.
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National Women's Soccer League Stories from April 13, 2019
- Sky Blue FC Fall in Season Opener to the Washington Spirit - Sky Blue FC
- NC Courage Earn Draw with Crystal Dunn Second Half Goal in Home Opener - North Carolina Courage
- Chicago Draws in North Carolina to Open the Season - Chicago Red Stars
- Houston Dash Sign Six Players for 2019 NWSL Season - Houston Dash
- Reign FC Sign Forward Bethany Balcer - Reign FC
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