NWSL Chicago Stars FC

Chicago Ends 2016 NSL Season After Falling 2-1 to Washington

Published on September 30, 2016 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Chicago Stars FC News Release


Chicago Ends 2016 NSL Season After Falling 2-1 to Washington
Chicago Ends 2016 NSL Season After Falling 2-1 to Washington
(Chicago Stars FC)

Boyds, Md. - After an intense game, Chicago fell to Washington Spirit 2-1 in the first of two National Women's Soccer League Semifinals during overtime, finishing off their 2016 season.

With possession going both ways, Naeher saved a near goal from forward Crystal Dunn, but Washington was able to put another shot on goal in the 19th minute as Dunn sent a shot toward a diving Alyssa Naeher. The ball went wide, hitting the far goal post and deflecting out of bounds.

In the 26th minute, a ball was sent long for a racing Dunn, but Naeher was able to beat her to the 18-yard line, catching the ball. Just 10 minutes later, Washington captain Ali Krieger scored off an open header from defender Shelina Zadorsky, making the scoreline 1-0 for Washington.

Right before halftime, Red Stars captain Christen Press and forward Cara Walls battled inside the 18-yard box, but Spirit goalkeeper Kelsey Wys smothered the ball before Chicago could counter, leaving the first half 1-0 to Washington.

To start off the second half, Danielle Colaprico collected the ball 25-yards away from goal, pushing forward to rocket a skipping ball into the arms of Wys. In the 74th minute, Red Stars defender Julie Johnston drove down the right flank, passing to Press, who opened up and sent the ball just over the goal, giving Chicago another look toward goal.

In the 81st minute, Chicago equalized as defender Casey Short crossed a ball into the Spirit penalty area. Christen Press drifted wide for the ball and volleyed calmly into the left corner of the Washington net.

Chicago was inches away from a win in the 90th minute when Christen Press struck the crossbar after dribbling through the Washington defense and past Wys. Chicago was unable to score again and the game ends in a 1-1 draw.

Overtime began and Washington was the first to take advantage, but not until the second period. Washington played quickly and passed through the Chicago defense as Christine Nairn played a 1-2, opened up in the 18-yard box, and found the feet of Francisca Ordega, who was able to tap it into the back of the net in the 111th minute to take the lead.

Chicago continued to fight until the end but couldn't equalize, leaving Washington victorious in the 2-1 defeat after overtime.

Check out the Chicago Stars FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Images from this story

Chicago Ends 2016 NSL Season After Falling 2-1 to Washington
Chicago Ends 2016 NSL Season After Falling 2-1 to Washington
   



National Women's Soccer League Stories from September 30, 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